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a close up of a wrist watch with a white diala gold watch with a white face on a black strapan image of a close up of a wrist watch on a white surfacea watch that is sitting on top of a coin
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41 - Anonymous Rare single-push-piece chronograph by Pierre Delau…
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Estimate €3,000 - €5,000
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Description
Anonymous Rare single-push-piece chronograph by Pierre Delaunay-Belleville, circa 1910. 18-carat yellow gold (750‰) case; white enamelled dial with Breguet Arabic numerals, small seconds at 3 o’clock, minute totaliser at 9 o’clock, crown on the left with push-button for starting and resetting the chronograph. Mineral glass. Smooth bezel. Clips-on case monogrammed ‘PDB’ for Pierre Delaunay-Belleville, no. 112941, SG hallmark for the Société Générale des Monteurs de Boîtes based in Besançon. Fixed wire lugs. Manual-winding mechanical movement attributed to Alfred Lugrin (1858–1920, founder of Lemania) Leather strap with attached metal pin buckle Diameter 34 mm Gross weight 37.61 g Provenance: > Pierre Delaunay-Belleville (1870 – after 1949) > By descent Condition report: Crown stuck, requires servicing; the chronograph starts. Chips on the dial A French industrialist, Pierre Delaunay-Belleville was, alongside his brother Robert, one of the founders of the Delaunay-Belleville car brand, established in Saint-Denis in the early 20th century. As heir to the major family business specialising in Belleville marine boilers, he played a part in developing the automotive division, founded in 1903 on the basis of the family’s industrial expertise. Under their leadership, Delaunay-Belleville became one of the most prestigious manufacturers of its time. Renowned for their build quality, mechanical refinement and their famous circular grille inspired by Belleville boilers, the brand’s cars counted Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, King Alfonso XIII of Spain and King George I of Greece amongst their customers. The firm was also the first French manufacturer to offer a six-cylinder engine as standard. Regarded before the First World War as the French equivalent of Rolls-Royce, Delaunay-Belleville cars epitomised French industrial excellence in the luxury motor car sector prior to the rise of Bugatti. The position of the crown on the left was probably a personal request from this automotive industrialist, either because he was left-handed or because he found it more practical to activate the chronograph whilst driving. This type of chronograph was rare at the time and is comparable to the creations of major watchmakers such as Cartier, Longines, Leroy or Breguet.
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About the sale Sale of gold, jewellery, watches and luxury leather goods
Auction location
Auction time 09/05/2026 at 10:30 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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