| Remarks |
On December 4, 1929, Emil Frey registered his patent for an automatic wristwatch; the same patent was filed in the United States November 1, 1930, and granted December 20, 1932. The patent relates to the Invention of wristwatches provided with self-winding mechanism. In such watches, a pivoted pendulum is provided and is caused to swing by motions of wearers arm, means being provided to utilize the pendulum swing to actuate the winding train. The automatic module is U-shaped and fits around the basic formed movement; the pendulum is weighted by a lead inlay and winds in one direction only. The weight swings from side to side hitting (heavily) the inside sides of the case. This type of automatic movement, correctly termed montre à secousses or watch by agitation, was probably the last bizarre attempt to design an automatic wristwatch, prior to the Rolex rotor patent of 1933. Estimated production: less than 1,000 units |
