Moritz Grossmann RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE Unique Piece for Only Watch Charity Auction 2019
The independent Glashütte manufactory Moritz Grossmann will be taking part in the eighth Only Watch charity auction on 9 November 2019 in Geneva with a superb unique timepiece based on a historical model.
Under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Only Watch auctions exclusive unique watches from prestigious manufacturers every two years in aid of the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies. The proceeds will be used to treat children suffering from muscular dystrophy and to advance research into the hereditary neuromuscular disease, which is currently considered incurable.
This marks the second time that Moritz Grossmann is supporting the association and the manufactory has once again created a unique piece of schönstes deutsches Handwerk: the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE is reminiscent of a historical pocket watch by the Glashütte watch pioneer Moritz Grossmann.
The manufactory has translated his masterful design from the Wilhelminian era into a contemporary piece: the result is an ultra-fine unique watch that combines a classically elegant design language with a power-reserve indicator function made to the highest standards of craftsmanship.
The slender casing in 750/000 white gold and a coordinating rhodié dial with fine three band snailing give the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE a bold aesthetic. In addition, the black Roman numerals and the Moritz Grossmann logo in typography dating from 1875 provide an effective historical counterpoint.
The pear-shaped, very fine characteristic hands are based on the model of the Grossmann pocket watch and have been annealed in blue by hand. An exquisitely crafted strap made from brown alligator leather completes the overall composition in the form of a warm colour accent.
The power reserve is proof of absolute technical perfection: it is designed as a two-colour bar-shaped indicator element and is controlled by a differential gear. Due to the special bearing below the ratchet wheel, it runs without impairing the movement, winding mechanism or hour wheel. In keeping with the exquisite design of the dial, the display bar is slightly narrower and placed directly under the historical logo lettering. When the movement is fully wound, a completely white bar is displayed and when the power reserve decreases, an increasingly blue bar is displayed.
The highly refined movement has the characteristic features of the 100.2 calibre: Grossmann manual winding with pusher, cantilevered balance cock with Grossmann poising screw, separate removable winding block and mass optimised Grossmann balance.
The sapphire crystal back on the rear of the watch reveals the fascinating interplay of the fine mechanical elements. As a sign of appreciation, Moritz Grossmann founder and managing director Christine Hutter has personally signed the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE. Her signature is embedded in the glass bottom in the form of a gold thread.
Collectors can view the finesse of the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE for themselves before the auction: from 25 September to 9 November 2019, Grossmann’s unique piece will be presented in international metropolises as part of the Only Watch World Tour.
The Monaco Yacht Show from 25 to 28 September will host the grand opening event. The tour will then move on to Dubai, Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Geneva.
The auction will take place on 9 November 2019 at the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues through Christie’s auction house.
Technical details
Model: Moritz Grossmann RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE Unique Piece for Only Watch Charity Auction 2019
Movement
Manufactory calibre 100.2, manual winding, regulated in five positions
Diameter: 36.4 mm, height: 5.4 mm
No. of parts: 227
Jewels: 26 jewels, of which 3 in screwed gold chatons
Escapement: Lever escapement
Oscillator: Shock-absorbed Grossmann balance with 4 inertia screws and 2 poising screws, Nivarox 1 balance spring with No. 80 Breguet terminal curve, Gustav Gerstenberger geometry
Balance – Diameter: 14.2 mm, frequency: 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour
Power reserve: 42 hours when fully wound
Functions
Hours and minutes, subsidiary seconds with stop second, Grossmann manual winder with pusher, power-reserve indicator
Operating elements
Crown in 750/000 gold to wind the watch and set the time, pusher in 750/000 gold to start the watch
Case
Three-part, precious metal
Diameter: 41.0 mm, height: 11.65 mm
Crystal/display back: Sapphire crystal, antireflective coating on one side
Dial
Solid silver, rhodié, with Roman numerals
Hands Manually crafted, steel or stainless steel, blue annealed
Strap
Hand-stitched alligator leather with solid prong buckle in precious metal
Special features
Grossmann balance; hand setting override and start of movement with lateral pusher; bar-shaped power-reserve indicator with two coloured display segment driven by a differential wheel train; space-saving modified Glashütte stopwork with backlash; adjustment with Grossmann micrometer screw on cantilevered balance cock; pillar movement with 2/3 plate and pillars made of untreated German silver; 2/3 plate, balance cock and escape wheel cock hand-engraved; broad horizontal Glashütte ribbing; 3- band snailing on the ratchet wheel; raised gold chatons with panhead screws; separately removable clutch winder; stop seconds for hand setting
