Goliath with Five Working Complications, 1886
At 72.60mm across, this Phoenix Indestructible triple calendar and moonphase watch was built as a Goliath - too large for a waistcoat pocket, made to sit on a desk and be wound each morning.
The movement is signed 'Phoenix Indestructible, May 1886' on the bridge - a Swiss export trademark used on high-grade movements destined for the British market. The date tells us precisely when this mechanism was completed: May 1886, making this watch nearly 140 years old.
The complication package is exceptional for the period: a triple calendar displaying the day of the week, the date, and the month each on its own subsidiary dial, plus a moonphase aperture within the sub-seconds dial at six o'clock. All five complications function correctly, advancing as intended with each push of the corrector pins set into the case band.
The movement is a large gilt brass bar construction with a crown wind lever escapement, heat-blued screws, and ruby jewels throughout. Opening the caseback reveals the full signed plate.
The white enamel dial retains its original heat-blued hands and bold Roman hour markers. There are hairline cracks in the enamel near eleven o'clock, consistent with age, and the moonphase disc carries heavy patination. The nickel silver case shows light surface marks and natural tarnish - the honest wear of nearly 140 years.
A signed, precisely dated, fully working piece of Victorian Swiss horological history.
Condition: Good. All complications functioning. No box or papers. Movement running.
