Etienne Tavernier

TWO GOLD TAVERNIER KEYS IN FITTED DESOUTTER RETAILER'S PRESENTATION CASE CIRCA 1800

• mechanism: the calendar and moon phases advanced when the keys are inserted into a watch's winding square and reset via a lever in the band
• dials: front dials - white enamel, days of the week in French, outer date indication, ach signed Et Tavernier • back dials - each gilt engine-turned with aperture for moon-phases
• cases: gold with milled bands
• Accompaniments: Moroccan leather fitted retailer's box for the two Tavernier keys signed Desoutter, 4 Hanover Street, London, W

individual length of both 46.5mm

Provenance:
The Tavernier keys incorporate an ingenious manual calendar - when the key is placed on the watch's winding square, a steel rod is pushed upwards to advance the day and date. At the same time, a slide appears through the band and when this is pushed back towards the case, the moon phase is advanced and the steel rod is returned to the end of the key's pipe to await its next insertion upon the winding square. The lunar plate is doubled and makes one complete revolution every two months - this compensates for a 28½ day lunar month.

Etienne Tavernier was born in Paris in 1756 and became well known for his bracelet and ring watches. He supplied Breguet with watch cases and keys and also worked for R. Robin. Tavernier was also a maker of snuff boxes.