Ever see a balance like this?

[KarlvonKoln]

I was just drinking coffee this morning and poking about on Ebay...when I happened upon this movement.  The seller didn't seem to know much.  I can tell it's a Swiss bar, key wind & set, no idea of the maker.  But I have never seen a balance wheel like this.  Ever.  Has anyone on this forum seen one like this?  I'm curious to find out more.  I wonder if there is a mechanical explanation to this design, or if it's done purely for aesthetics.  It's fascinating either way.  And it looks like the largest diameter they could cram in there too, which would have several advantages.

[watchweasol]

Hi never seen one like that but what it looks like matters little as long as the weight and poise match the balance spring, just  aesthetics 

[Nucejoe]

3 hours ago, KarlvonKoln said:

I was just drinking coffee this morning and 

Nothing wrong with this balance wheel, perhaps the coffee.  LOL.

[KarlvonKoln]

37 minutes ago, Nucejoe said:

Nothing wrong with this balance wheel, perhaps the coffee.  LOL.

Well, I've been known to make some pretty strong coffee, and also fortify it in Irish fashion, if you know what I mean.  

[oldhippy]

That's a new design to me. I bet it has a nice effect when its rotating. Yet the pallets look to big bulky and horrid. Bent teeth on the barrel as well.  

[KarlvonKoln]

Yeah, it isn't in top form, and I had no desire to bid on it.  But seeing that balance made me wonder what other interesting variations might exist out there.

[oldhippy]

There is always something different that comes into the workshop with horology. I first started as a watchmaker then went into clocks for around 30 years.  Due to the internet I see new things nearly every day. You never stop learning.