Exceptionally fine German 18 Carat gold lever watch Circa 1980

Tourbillon by Thomas Engel
–
Exceptionally fine and very rare German 18 Carat gold keyless pocket chronometer with one minute tourbillon regulator with power reserve, circa 1980. Half plate rhodium plated movement, Geneva striping decoration, three armed Y shaped polished steel carriage with lateral lever escapement, cut bi metallic compensation balance with free sprung special non magnetic Nivarox prima balance spring with Phillips terminal curves with two pins for adjustment between horizontal and vertical positions, entire train jewelled, polished steel skeleton bridge. The carriage by Richard Daners, regulated by J.P. Vuille, Le Locle. Gold glazed cuvette. Silver dial with champlevé Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, engine-turned centre, eccentric subsidiary seconds between 6 and 7 o’clock, power reserve aperture below 12 o’clock, inset gold plaque engraved Tourbillon and original blued steel Breguet hands. Dial and movement and case signed. Screwed down engine turned case back, engine-turned band, ball shaped, swivelling pendant acting as the winding crown. Accompanied by an original fitted box.
–
Diameter: 56.5 mm
–
Signed: 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° C 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.