Svend Andersen Minute Repeaters Guide

quattro · 2025-02-04T20:16:47Z

Explore Svend Andersen minute repeaters, including unique pieces with cases by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and bezel-activated mechanisms. A deep dive into independent horology.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

9 replies4820 views35 photos

Quattro delves into the rarely discussed world of Svend Andersen's minute repeaters, prompted by a fellow collector's 'Project 645.' This comprehensive compilation sheds light on Andersen Genève's intricate chiming mechanisms and unique designs, showcasing the brand's significant contributions to independent watchmaking.

9 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

grandesonnerie's posts informing us of his "Project 645" (he acquired a 14''' minute repeater movement crafted by A. Lange & Söhne and elected to have it completed and encased by Svend Andersen) made me realise that I knew nothing about Andersen Genève's minute repeaters and that they had very rarely been mentioned on this site.

So, here are a few of them.

grandesonnerie's posts are here: 1) Jun 12, 2024; 2) Jan 19, 2025; 3) Feb 4, 2025.

And Andersen Genève minute repeaters have been mentioned mainly here: 1) Jul 25, 2002 by Lord_Arran; 2) Jul 6, 2022 by ambel; 3) Jun 28, 2023 by ambel.

Enjoy!

1/ Unique piece from 1995 with a case made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann (rose gold 38mm case, caliber Louise Élysée Piguet, numbered 0)

credit: Mr Watchley

2/ Yellow gold 38mm case & white silver-plated dial with blued "Breguet" style hands (gold-plated antique manually wound movement with minute repeater, gong with two hammers - c. 1995)

credit: ineichen

c/ 1993 unique rose gold model made for a retailer of the brand in Hong-Kong (41mm case constructed by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, reworked vintage Victorin Piguet movement)

credit: a collected man

d/ Yellow gold piece unique bezel activated Minute Repeater with aventurine dial (47mm case made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann - c. 2010)

credit: antiquorum

e/ Unique piece white gold annual calendar Minute Repeater (46mm case, LeCoultre caliber from the 20's)

credit: Wagner

f/ Rose and white gold perpetual calendar Minute Repeater - LeCoultre 1920's caliber. Repeater is triggered by the bezel. White gold hours and minutes hands. Small blue gold hand is month. Long blue gold hand is the date and at 6 o'clock leap year. Dial is blue gold.

credit: watchcollectorbychristianbissener

g/ Bespoke piece unique yellow gold retrograde perpetual calendar Minute Repeater (37mm case, movement is a vintage manual winding minute repeating caliber made by Henry Capt in Geneva, which Svend Andersen elaborated to include the perpetual calendar function)

credit: robert marron

h/ Unique wristwatch in yellow Ggold, ref. 56363 with Minute Repeater, perpetual calendar, retrograde date and moon-phase (37mm, 1990's)

credit: monaco legend auctions

About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

De Bethune DB25 Reference DB25

The DB25 represents De Bethune's entry in the 44.5mm manual-wind category, distinguished by its silver dial configuration within the DB25 series. This reference launched in 2006 and continues the brand's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie complications.

The 44.5mm case is crafted from 18k white gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 30 meters. The manual-winding caliber DB2105 movement provides a substantial 120-hour power reserve. The watch features a leather strap attachment.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking De Bethune's technical approach to timekeeping in a precious metal case. The extended power reserve and manual-wind operation position it for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on interaction with their timepieces. The 44.5mm sizing places it in contemporary proportions within the independent watchmaking segment.

Specifications

Caliber: DB2105

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 44.5 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The post highlights the unique bezel-activated minute repeater mechanism, drawing a parallel to early Harwood automatic wristwatches wound by the bezel, a detail not commonly known.
A key question raised is whether these Svend Andersen minute repeaters sound as good as they look, indicating a desire for auditory experience beyond visual appreciation.
The first unique piece from 1995, with a case by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, is particularly lauded for its elegant perfection.

The Discussion

patrick_y

Feb 4, 2025

100,000 Euro question. Do these sound as good as they look?

I don't remember ever hearing one of these!

quattro

Feb 4, 2025

I absolutely don't know, unfortunately!

patrick_y

Feb 6, 2025

Thank you Steve!

Always appreciate your response and expertise!

mjmccracken

Feb 5, 2025

That very first one…

What elegant perfection!

mblum3

Feb 5, 2025

Beautiful and interesting post!

The last two look like they were made for royalty. So many interesting details on all of these. Never heard of one that was activated by the bezel. I know there were some watches that were wound by the bezel. The first automatic wristwatch was made by Harwood. It was wound by the bezel. Produced between 1929 and 1931. Maybe a similar mechanism for the repeater. Thanks for the post!

quattro

Feb 5, 2025

Bezel -winding? I didn't know!

So I checked online to see what these Harwood looked like. Thanks for your insight. credit: rocks & clocks