We've seen many unusual watches a Paul Fraser Collectibles, but this is the first one manufactured in the form of a musical harp.
 Swiss 'musical harp' watch from 1810 ($86.5k) |
According to Christie's, this 80mm-tall timepiece was made by a Swiss company for the Chinese market, circa 1810.
While the watch's outside is accented with gold, pearls, European-cut diamonds and enameled decorative motifs, its internal workings include a fully-functioning musical box.
A front hinged panel opens up to reveal the musical box, connected to a number of gilt strings which actually sound when plucked.
At its base, the mysterious watch is signed "Fs. Auch".
Earlier this week, the Musical Harp Watch went to auction at Christie's with an estimate of $40,000-60,000.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it sold for a significantly higher $86,500.
The unique watch went under the hammer with a selection of over 380 fine and rare timepieces Christie's New York on December 15.
In the end, an extremely rare Patek Philippe Ref. 5016 wristwatch dominated Tuesday's sale.
The highly important platinum tourbillon wristwatch, with perpetual calendar and minute repeater, left the auction block priced at a staggering $764,500.
It was another one of many high-profile Patek Philippe sales to make an impression on the fine wristwatches market in 2009.
- More news on Watches and Jewellery and Unique
- Enjoy the read? Don't forget to sign up for your free newsletter with exclusive content
Images: Christie's
