Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces.

Geneva, May 13, 2018

LOT 184

BOVET ENAMEL FANCY BIRDS WITH EROTIC SCENE Very fine and important, 18K gold and painted enamel, center-seconds watch with concealed erotic scenes. Duplex escapement, made for the Chinese market.

CHF 50,000 - 70,000

HKD 400,000 - 560,000 / USD 50,000 - 70,000

Sold: CHF 62,500


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-71-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines

HANDS Original

Brand Bovet

Year 1835

Numbers Movement N. 518

Caliber 22'''

Dimensions 59 mm.

Signature Movement.

Notes

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. In 1901, the Bovet trademark was acquired by César and Charles Leuba, sons of Ami Leuba. In 1918, Jacques Ullmann & Co. of La Chauxde- Fonds bought the Bovet brand from Leuba Brothers and in 1948, Favre-Leuba took over the company and acquired the first production plant. In 1966 Favre- Leuba sold the Fleurier plant, and in 1989 Parmigiani acquired the Bovet name. A limited company registered as Bovet Fleurier S.A. was formed in 1990 using the Bovet trademark. In 1994, Roger Guye and a partner bought Bovet Fleurier S.A. and opened a branch in Geneva. Pascal Raffy became the majority shareholder and President in 2001. Today, Bovet timepieces are widely available in the world's major destinations. Eager to maintain its historical roots in the Far East, the company has subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Japan, and delivers its collection to select distributors in Singapore, Taiwan, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, the United States, London, and Geneva.