Silver and Horn Calendar Verge, c. 1790

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The “Silver and Horn Calendar Verge – Circa 1790” is a remarkable testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of late 18th Century Austrian watchmaking, encapsulating both elegance and precision in its design. This magnificent timepiece is distinguished by its silver and underpainted horn case, a striking feature that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also serves as a protective outer shell. At the heart of this watch lies a large full plate gilt fusee movement, a hallmark of superior engineering from the era, complete with a unique sprung dust ring that underscores its meticulous construction. The movement is adorned with a finely pierced and engraved bridge cock, complemented by a steel coqueret and a plain three-arm gilt balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring, reflecting the intricate artistry involved. The watch’s functionality is further enhanced by a silver regulator dial with a blue steel indicator, ensuring precise timekeeping. The winding mechanism is ingeniously integrated into the signed white enamel dial, which features Arabic numerals and is elegantly paired with blue steel Breguet hands. Adding to its grandeur is a large, plain silver consular case, accentuated by a long silver pendant and bow, which speaks to the watch’s robust yet refined construction. The outer case, a masterpiece in its own right, is adorned with silver bezels covered in horn, skillfully underpainted in shades of green and brown, and securely fastened with silver pique pins, making it a unique piece of art. Signed by Mathias Niedtermeier from Brunn and dating back to around 1790, this watch, with its impressive diameter of 71 mm, remains in excellent condition, offering a glimpse into the exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance of its period. This beautiful late 18th Century Austrian calendar verge watch features a silver and underpainted horn case. The watch showcases a large full plate gilt fusee movement, complete with a unique sprung dust ring. The meticulously crafted movement boasts a finely pierced and engraved bridge cock with a steel coqueret, as well as a plain three-arm gilt balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring. The watch also includes a silver regulator dial with a blue steel indicator, providing precise timekeeping. Winding is done through the signed white enamel dial, which features Arabic numerals and is accompanied by elegant blue steel Breguet hands. Additionally, the watch boasts a large and plain silver consular case, complete with a long silver pendant and bow. What makes this watch truly distinctive is its protective outer case, which features silver bezels covered in horn that has been skillfully underpainted in green and brown. This unique design is further accentuated by the securement of the outer case with silver pique pins. Overall, this exquisite large watch is in excellent condition and showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of its time. Signed Mathias Niedtermeier – Brunn Circa 1790 Diameter 71 mm