The present observatory tourbillon is of exceptional
quality and is extremely well made. The condition is
extraordinary, the dial is clear of any hairlines and the
5 joint case closes nice and tightly and the original
engravings to both lids is very crisp. Overall this is a
truly exceptional watch of historical importance. The
long pivoted detent escapement was made by Ernest
Guinand (c 1810-1879), which can be distinguished by
the typical A-shaped frame that is always fitted with the
pivoted detent escapements he was known for. Guinand
also manufactured tourbillon carriages for the greatest
watchmakers at the time, and it is rumoured that he
was responsible for the first Patek Philippe tourbillon
tested in 1867. Pivoted detent escapements were
generally more fashionably used in Switzerland rather
than England at the time. This is generally because the
Swiss were brought up and trained how to make pivoted
detent escapements where the English were taught
how to make spring detent escapements. It is believed
that the pivoted detent is more robust than the English
spring detent. The pivoted detent was generally used at
the time to avoid errors of rate with change of position
in the watch. The idea behind the detent escapement is
to increase accuracy. In a lever escapement, the escape
wheel teeth and palette fork generate a lot of friction
between them. The detent was designed to eliminate
the palette fork and alter the balance wheel so that
it will only interact the escapement once a second
when changing direction. It is the detent that changes
the direction of the balance wheel. Instead of a lever
escapement that connects multiple times per second,
the detent escapement only connects once per second,
subsequently the friction of the parts were reduced.
The outer case is finely engraved with the Argentinian
Coat of Arms. The front is monogrammed with the initial
N.A., which could stand for Nicolás Avellaneda, the
president of Argentina from 1874 to 1880. The present
watch really is of museum quality and in order to
discover its importance, one needs to hold it in one’s
hand to marvel at its heavy case, pristine enamel dial
and spectacular three bridge tourbillon.
Argentina Coat of Arms
Nicolás Avellaneda, Edigio Querciola
(1871-1914) Museo Historico Nacional
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