AN UNUSUAL SWISS DESK TIMPIECE IN THE FORM OF A BOOK Unsigned, early 20th century The nickel-finish circular eight-day movement with lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance and stamped with serial number 18055 to the frosted gilt rear cover incorporating integral winding key, hand setting screw and regulation adjustment aperture, the rectangular 3.5 by 2.5 inch purple enamelled radial guilloche engine-turned dial applied with narrow silvered Arabic numeral chapter ring and painted with floral garland swag infill to upper and lower margins, with gilt moon hands set behind bevelled glass retained by a moulded gilt brass surround, the case modelled as a gilt tooled leather book inscribed LIVRE D'HEURES to spine and with decorative hinged pierced brass clasp (exterior mostly recovered). 13cm (5.125ins) high, 11cm (4.25ins) wide, 4cm (1.5cm) deep. Condition Report: Movement is complete and in clean working condition with no signs of alteration or significant replacements. The gilt rear cover is lacking one of the three screws that retain the movement and dial in the case, the other two are non-matching, there is also some light spotting and wear to the gilt finish. The dial appears to be in fine condition. Condition Report Disclaimer