DESCRIPTION:
APW - Aurora, Grade 10, 17J with original but inaccurate "15 Ruby Jewels" marking as is typical to the open face version of this grade, 18S, gold-filled OF recase with attractive engraving detail to rear including a small idyllic mountain-side home scene, case guarantee paper bearing matching case serial number within rear, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, two-tone checkerboard and snowflake pattern gilt and nickel damascene, s#101176. A rare watch, the total production of the 17 jewel Grade 10 is believed to be 300 made with all examples found in a single run spanning serial numbers 101001 to 101300. The Grade 10 was Aurora's finest quality movement. All examples of this grade were marked as "15 Ruby Jewels," but this marking is incorrect to the open face version of the grade which has an actual jewel count of 17 due to the presence of a jeweled fifth pinion, while the hunting case version of the grade are correctly marked 15 jewel movements without a fifth pinion.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent two-tone color, scattered fine scratches, few tiny dark spots to plates, few small bits of oxide to regulator assembly; dial with group of hls below seconds-register at 1, few additional hls elsewhere, edge chip at 1:30, mild hand rub within seconds-register, scattered small edge flakes under bezel, "55" minute numeral is inexplicably black colored while other minute numerals are red; excellent hands, hour and minute with some areas of finish loss, minute with oxide to center hub, seconds-hand with mild bend to its tail; case shows little wear, cuvette with long scratches from past slipped openings, no dents or dings, good engine turning and engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$800
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$1400
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