German Chronomètre Type Concours Observatoire Circa 1985

Lever with 30h power reserve, thermometer and calendar by Thomas Engel
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A very fine and rare German 18 Carat gold open faced keyless Chronomètre Type Concours Observatoire pocket watch with 30 hour power reserve indicator, thermometer, calendar and regulator dial, made in the 1980’s. Rhodium-plated movement, Geneva Striping decoration, stamped with Thomas Engel punch mark, 19 jewels, straight line lever escapement, mono-metallic balance, self-compensating balance spring with outer terminal curve, balance and escape wheel pivots with shock absorbers, micrometre regulator. Glazed gold cuvette. Silver dial with Roman hour numerals on brushed eccentric chapter ring, outer minute dot divisions and Arabic five minute numerals, engine turned and whitened centre, subsidiary day of the week dial, thermometer sector at 6 o’clock, aperture for power reserve indication and original gold Breguet hands. Screwed down case back cover decorated with engine turning à grains d’orge, polished band and bezel, ball type swivelling pendant acting as the winding crown. Dial, case and movement signed. Accompanied by the original mahogany fitted box with extra mainspring.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Engel
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Professor Thomas Engel Professor Thomas Engel is known worldwide for his research in the production of polymers. In 1966, he developed a process for cross linking plastic extrusions, particularly those of cross linked polyethylene. Based on the reaction of plastics at pressures of 15,000 to 150,000 psi and temperatures of approximately 300° and the presence of a peroxide catalyst, a cross linking agent, this process was a significant step forward in plastics technology. It resulted in the production of a high molecular weight product with improved heat and chemical resistance, which is still in use nearly thirty years later. Engel has received numerous prizes and honours.