72 Jaeger LeCoultre A very unusual and particular Jaeger LeCoultre "Duo-Dial" retailed by Kirby, Beard & co Paris in yellow gold

Estimate: €5,000 –⁠ 10,000

Model: Duo-Dial Retailed By Kirby & Co
Material: Pink Gold
Year: 1990s
Case N°: 39/14
Caliber: 5 1/2'
Bracelet: leather strap
Dimensions: 22 mm x 46 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement

The Kirby, Beard & Co industry sees its birth in 1803, when Robert Kirby entered into partnership with Richard Cowcher, a pins producer of Glouchester. After moving to London, they took on the young George Beard as an apprentice who slowly scaled the hierarchies, carving out a managerial role. In 1823, in fact, the company took the name of Cowcher, Kirby & Beard but it was only in 1940, after the abandonment of Richard Cowcher that the name of Kirby, Beard & Co was used for the first time and remained until 1970.
Despite its British origins and the fact that industries were established in England until they were destroyed by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, the major business of this company took place in Paris, in its shop on Rue Auber 5 opened in 1878, which remained open even after the destruction of the plants. The first objects they produced were needles and pins, but not long after they started trading watches. Because of the importance achieved in its sector, Kirby, Beard & Co therefore had the opportunity to add its name on the dials of some timepiece, including the present Jaeger LeCoultre Dual-Time. This watch represents a decidedly rare and unusual piece, understandable perhaps only by some connoisseurs but absolutely worthy of being appreciated by anyone who has the chance to admire it. The contrast between the painted Arabic numerals and the baton indexes of the two quadrants is as surprising as the remarkable condition of the rectangular rose gold case. Other peculiarities are the two crowns to set the time positioned at 12 and 6, in contrast with those that have always been the characteristic of Dual-Time watches.