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Lot Essay
The present watch is certainly one of Louis Audemars' most unusual creations. The ébauche dates to 1830 approximately, whereas the design and case finish are more in the 1850/1860 style. One can safely assume that Louis Audemars were not the manufacturers of the movement, but finished, cased and signed it. The bi-metallic compensation balance, for example, was also added when the ébauche was finished at Audemars workshops.
It is therefore not surprising that this watch is not numbered, as most likely never part of their standard production, but more intended to preserve a complex movement and to challenge its master watchmakers. Alternatively it may have also been destined for one of the many international exhibitions at which Louis Audemars successfully participated.
Furthermore and to the best of our knowlege, the present watch is the only known example of a musical clockwatch by Louis Audemars.
It is therefore not surprising that this watch is not numbered, as most likely never part of their standard production, but more intended to preserve a complex movement and to challenge its master watchmakers. Alternatively it may have also been destined for one of the many international exhibitions at which Louis Audemars successfully participated.
Furthermore and to the best of our knowlege, the present watch is the only known example of a musical clockwatch by Louis Audemars.