Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 16, 2014

LOT 125

BOVET - PAIR OF SILVER WATCHES Bovet, Fleurier, No. 3125 & 1031. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1875. Fine, pair of silver pocket watches with center seconds and original Bovet morocco fitted case.

CHF 3,000 - 5,000

HKD 25,000 - 41,000 / USD 3,200 - 5,400

Sold: CHF 4,375

Two-body, "Consular", polished, spring-loaded and glazed cuvette. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions and Arabic 15 minute/second numerals. Blued steel "ovoid" hands. 47 mm. gilded and entirely foliate engraved, "Chinese" caliber, 16 jewels, free-standing barrel, counterpoised lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, blued steel self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator. Fitted box embossed with Bovet's second signature type.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-75-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Slightly restored soft enamel

HANDS Original

Notes

DIAM. 54 mm. BOVET A watchmaking dynasty founded by Edouard, Frédéric, Alphonse, Gustave, Charles-Henri, and Caroline Bovet, of Fleurier. In 1822, a Bovet partnership was founded for the Chinese watch trade in Canton. In 1840, Bovet Frères et Cie was established in Fleurier, and in 1864, the Bovet watch production was sold to Bovet's manufacturing inspectors in Fleurier, Jules Jéquier and Ernest Bobillier, soon joined by Ami Leuba. In 1888, Bovet Frères was founded under the direction of Alexis Landry, who served his apprenticeship in Fritz Bovet's workshop in Fleurier, producing ebauches for Chinese watches and silver cases. Alexis Landry formed a partnership with Albert and Jean Bovet, specializing in complicated watches and chronographs.