James C. Pellaton Tourbillon Deck Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1941
This 1941 keyless deck chronometer was produced by James C. Pellaton in Le Locle, Switzerland, specifically for Georges Perrenoud. The timepiece features an 18K gold three-body case described as "bassine et filets" with a glazed back.
It is housed within a two-body mahogany deck box equipped with brass handles, brass-reinforced corners, and a locking mechanism, containing a brass gimbaled ring with a locking slot. The white enamel dial displays Breguet numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary sunk seconds dial, accented by blued steel Breguet hands. The chronometer is powered by a 20 ligne rhodium-plated movement utilizing a Technicum locle caliber, featuring a one-minute tourbillon regulator with a three-arm Pellaton carriage, a lateral calibrated lever escapement, and a Guillaume bimetallic compensation balance with a special alloy balance spring.
The movement is finished with fausses-côtes decoration and signed specifically for the original owner.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Deck chronometer
- Maker
- James C. Pellaton
- Dimensions
- 11.6 x 9.8 cm
- Escapement
- Lateral calibrated lever
- Case Material
- 18K gold
- Serial Number
- 1944
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Production Year
- 1941
- Movement Caliber
- Technicum locle
- Maker / attribution
- James C. Pellaton
Design
- Visible features
- • Gimbaled mahogany case with brass fittings • White enamel dial with Breguet numerals • Three-arm tourbillon carriage visible • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
- Case and Deck Housing
- The timepiece is encased in an 18K gold, three-body 'bassine et filets' case. The back of the case is glazed, allowing for a visual of the movement. The watch is designed to be housed in a specialized two-body mahogany box, which serves as a protective deck container for the chronometer. The mahogany box is outfitted with brass components, including reinforced corners and brass handles for transport. The interior of the box features a brass gimbaled ring, which includes a locking slot to secure the watch in place during use, ensuring the stability of the movement in a maritime or observatory setting.
- Movement and Regulator
- The movement measures 20 lignes and is rhodium-plated, utilizing the Technicum locle caliber. It is characterized by its curved center bridge and fausses-côtes decoration featuring narrow straps. The central feature is a one-minute tourbillon regulator containing a three-arm Pellaton carriage. The escapement system is a lateral calibrated lever type. The compensation balance is a cut anibal-steel Guillaume bimetallic balance, paired with a special steel alloy balance spring featuring a Phillips outer terminal curve. The rate is controlled by an index regulator with a gold scaleplate, and the pins feature micrometric screw adjustment.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The piece bears specific inscriptions denoting its manufacture for Georges Perrenoud, a businessman and owner of the company Dixi. The dial and the movement are both signed with a dedication to the original owner and the maker's name and location. The provenance of the object is connected to the career of James Casar Pellaton, a prominent maker of tourbillons during the 20th century who later served as the director of the horological school in Le Locle. The watch is documented in R. Meis's book 'Le Tourbillon'.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1944
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The specific performance of the movement is not detailed beyond its design specifications.
- Research required: The auction report provides a grading for case, movement, and dial condition but does not provide an inspection report.