Fine and scarce English 18K gold 52.5 minute karrusel with Kew Observatory Class
A, made by J.J. Hissey, circa 1895.
White enamel dial with bold blued steel hands. Plain polish case with slight pocket wear.
Gilt 3/4 plate 15 jewel frosted gilt movement with the name of the retailer.
Diamond cap jewel to the balance.
The karrusel is a feature similar to the tourbillon, but with the carriage driven
by the third wheel, not the forth wheel. Like the tourbillon it was designed to
eliminate errors of timekeeping in the vertical positions. It consists of a rotating
carriage or cage carrying all the parts of the escapement,
with the balance in the center. The karrusel mechanism is stronger and
less delicate than the tourbillon. This mechanism was invented by
Bonniksen in England in 1893.
This particular watch was entered in a timekeeping trial at the Kew Observatory
and was awarded a Class A certificate.
