This ultra-rare center seconds doctors watch retailed by J.W. Benson uses the same Tavannes base movement as was used in the very first LeCoultre Reverso in 1931 and shares the strikingly beautiful Art Deco design, remarkably similar in appearance to the famous center seconds Reverso created 2 years later in 1933. The original 1931 Reverso was produced with no seconds hand using the Tavannes calibre 064 with LeCoultre only introducing a center seconds Reverso model 2 years later with its own caliber 411. The rare Tavannes calibre 074 you see here uses a base calibre 064 but has been modified by adding 3 small wheels above the main bridge plates to drive the center seconds pinion. J.W. Benson would have commissioned these watches from the Tavannes watch company requesting that their name be printed on the dial, which is why neither the case or movement is signed by the manufacturing company. This example is in superb all original condition with a lovely light patina on the dial housed in a beautifully crafted solid Staybrite steel case. A very rare and important historical example of the high Art Deco era. Recently serviced by our watchmaker and in excellent working condition.
Style: Art Deco
Circa: 1930's
Case: Solid stainless steel Staybrite case in excellent condition with curved back and a geometrically styled bezel. Signed inside the back Acier Staybrite, Swiss Made. Measures 22.5mm by 39mm excluding the crown.
Dial: Original factory printed dial signed with the retailers name, J.W Benson of London, then Swiss at the bottom denoting the place of manufacture. The large, central seconds track for doctors applications is surrounded with stylized Art Deco style numbers and markers. This dial has a beautiful even patina giving it that unmistakable vintage feel, but is still bright beautiful on the wrist.
Movement: Extremely rare Cyma/Tavannes cal.074 manual wind movement with indirect center sweep seconds. This movement is unusual in that is uses a series of 3 tiny wheels above the main bridge plates to transfer power from the 4th wheel to the sweep seconds pinion. It is signed Swiss Made, Patented, 15 Jewels. Recently serviced and in excellent working condition.