US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
44
Agassiz
Set of 2 Worldtimers
An incredibly rare and attractive set et of 2 worldtime watches, comprising of a wristwatch in 14k yellow gold and a pocket watch in 14k pink gold
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000€21,600 - 43,200$25,100 - 50,200
CHF76,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Agassiz
- Year
- Circa 1935
- Movement No
- Pocket Watch: 4'624'570 Wristwatch: 307'965
- Case No
- Pocket Watch: 4'624'570 Wristwatch: 307'965
- Model Name
- Set of 2 Worldtimers
- Material
- Pocket Watch 14k pink gold Wristwatch 14k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Pocket Watch: manual 17 jewels Wristwatch manual, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Gilt pin buckle
- Dimensions
- Pocket Watch 47mm diameter Wristwatch: 32mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed for both pieces
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Founded in 1876 by Georges Agassiz, the son of Longines founder Auguste Agassiz, the Agassiz firm quietly carved out a refined space within the Swiss watchmaking landscape. While it produced timepieces under its own name, the brand also manufactured for others, including Tiffany & Co.
In the 1930s, Agassiz joined forces with none other than Louis Cottier, the ingenious watchmaker who would come to revolutionize travel timekeeping. Though Cottier’s now-legendary worldtime mechanism is most often associated with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, he also supplied a few calibres to Agassiz. These rare commissions included both pocket and wristwatches fitted with Cottier’s patented system, and the present pair—an extraordinary wristwatch and a companion pocket watch—represent two of the most compelling examples.
The design language of these pieces draws an unmistakable parallel to Patek Philippe’s own references, most notably the wristwatch ref. 1415 and the pocket watch ref. 605HU. The Agassiz wristwatch bears a case profile and dial layout remarkably similar to its Patek Philippe counterpart, complete with the signature gold “compass” hands—an elegant and distinctive feature conceived by Cottier himself.
Beyond their mechanical sophistication, worldtime watches are fascinating cultural artefacts, capturing a snapshot of geopolitical importance and global awareness at the time of their creation. The present wristwatch, for instance, includes city names such as “Leningrad,” “Istambul” (with an ‘M’), and “Tokio” (with an ‘I’), each spelling offering insight into the era’s prevailing nomenclature. Curiously, both Paris and London are indicated in the same time zone—a historical detail that predates the post-1940 adjustment aligning Paris to Central European Time.
The pocket watch movement is also stamped "AXA" for A. Wittnauer & Co., denoting the watch was made for export. This is particularly fitted as the watch is cased in 14k gold, most likely due to import restrictions.
A particularly noteworthy chapter in the Agassiz World Time story occurred in 1946, when four such watches were specially commissioned by the City of Geneva to be presented as diplomatic gifts to the Heads of State of the Allied Forces, commemorating the end of the Second World War.
In the 1930s, Agassiz joined forces with none other than Louis Cottier, the ingenious watchmaker who would come to revolutionize travel timekeeping. Though Cottier’s now-legendary worldtime mechanism is most often associated with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, he also supplied a few calibres to Agassiz. These rare commissions included both pocket and wristwatches fitted with Cottier’s patented system, and the present pair—an extraordinary wristwatch and a companion pocket watch—represent two of the most compelling examples.
The design language of these pieces draws an unmistakable parallel to Patek Philippe’s own references, most notably the wristwatch ref. 1415 and the pocket watch ref. 605HU. The Agassiz wristwatch bears a case profile and dial layout remarkably similar to its Patek Philippe counterpart, complete with the signature gold “compass” hands—an elegant and distinctive feature conceived by Cottier himself.
Beyond their mechanical sophistication, worldtime watches are fascinating cultural artefacts, capturing a snapshot of geopolitical importance and global awareness at the time of their creation. The present wristwatch, for instance, includes city names such as “Leningrad,” “Istambul” (with an ‘M’), and “Tokio” (with an ‘I’), each spelling offering insight into the era’s prevailing nomenclature. Curiously, both Paris and London are indicated in the same time zone—a historical detail that predates the post-1940 adjustment aligning Paris to Central European Time.
The pocket watch movement is also stamped "AXA" for A. Wittnauer & Co., denoting the watch was made for export. This is particularly fitted as the watch is cased in 14k gold, most likely due to import restrictions.
A particularly noteworthy chapter in the Agassiz World Time story occurred in 1946, when four such watches were specially commissioned by the City of Geneva to be presented as diplomatic gifts to the Heads of State of the Allied Forces, commemorating the end of the Second World War.