Le Phare Minute Repeater 49 mm ~1890’s

FEATURES:

  • Repeater function striking hours, quarter-hours and minutes with two hammers on two gongs
  • Spectacular complicated movement view through crystal caseback

Historical & Antiquarian Notes

Le Phare (meaning ‘lighthouse’ in French) was the first Swiss company to make repeating movements with interchangeable parts. The company developed mass-produced repeating movements and distributed them to many casing companies in Switzerland. The Le Phare repeater system was the most robust and reliable for the time. Repeating movements were usually quarter and minute types, and also differed by finishing grades (15 – 20 jewels).  

This movement was originally produced in the 1890’s as an expensive gold men’s pocket watch. The new wrist case was machined and finished in our workshop.

Technical Data

Advanced low-noise repeater governor, 20 ruby jewels, compensated balance with the Breguet overcoil under an unusual double-feet balance bridge.

MOVEMENT

Type: Swiss lever, 20 jewels, gold plated bridges with sand finish
Balance type: Bimetallic cut balance with screw weights, Breguet hairspring
Numbers: 22543 serial number under dial
Signature: ‘Fast-Slow’ on regulator
Age & Origin: Made in Switzerland circa 1890’s, all original
Condition: Good (9/10) minimum wear, mechanical status is PERFECT
Restorations: NONE

DIAL

Type: Classic hot enamel
Signature: Unsigned
Age & Origin: Original to the movement
Condition: Very good, thinnest hairline at 3
Hands: Blued steel hands, sub second
Restorations: NONE

CASE

Type, size: Custom made new wristwatch case, classic style, display back, diameter w/o crown 49 mm
Metal, crystal: Solid stainless steel 316L, front & back mineral crystals
Age & Origin: New custom made one piece
Condition: NEW UNWORN

STRAP

Size, material, type: 24 mm, natural leather, classic black style
Condition: NEW UNWORN

RUNNING REPORT

Testing time: 15+ days, winding every day at 12am
Running duration: More than 32 hours
Day error (static/dynamic): Less than 30/40 seconds/day
Conclusion: Guaranteed to keep good time for 6 months

Final notes

Push top button on 12 position to activate the repeating function. The movement will strike hour numbers with a lower tone and then strike full quarter numbers with a double tone. The sound is fine, we spent many hours adjusting it perfectly.

Move hands forward only. Do not move hands when the repeater is active.

Video

PRICE (£): 2450
Status: Available

Read more:
Le Phare quarter repeater in backatalogue, close serial number
Le Phare moonphase repeater casemaking

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