388 - Benjamin Haas Jeune - Quarter Repeater

Benjamin Haas Jeune - Quarter Repeater A fine, small Geneva half hunter pocket watch with quarter repeater Case No. 18970, Dimensions 42 mm, circa 1900, Weight 62 g, Origin Schweiz Case: 18 K gold, chased, engraved bezels and caseband, the front lid with inlaid, black, radial Roman enamel numerals, the back lid with engraved monogram. Dial: Enamel. Movm.: Bridge movement, 2 hammers / 2 gongs, lever escapement, screw compensation balance. In 1848 the brothers Leopold (1827-1915) and Benjamin (1828-1925) Haas, both knights of the Légion d'honneur, founded the ANCIENNE MANUFACTURE DES MONTRES HAAS & CIE in Geneva. The company excelled in unique and exceptional pieces and achieved its reputation with exquisite watches that pass for modern even today. Rare treasures such as the split second chronograph and beautifully wrought pocket and wristwatches were created in accordance with the manufacturer's fundamental motto of simplicity, technique and elegance. Benjamin Haas invented a form of winding where the mainspring was wound by opening the front cover of a hunting case watch. Patents, 1873, p. 48 illustrated and outlined British patent No. 3945, issued Dec. 2, 1873 to B. Haas. This patent was licensed to other makers. 1884 Haas changed their name to Haas Neveux & Cie, to communicate that new family members had taken positions in the company. At the same time the original logo of B.H. & Co. (for Benjamin Haas & Co) was changed to a small running hare and the letters HNC in an oval shape - representing the dynamic attitude of the company. In 1896 Haas Neveux & Cie establishes a record with an ultraflat 2mm movement for a ladies' watch and wins a first price for precision in the 1902 competition of the famous "Observatoire de Genève". Case: very good, worn. Dial: very good, hairline. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.