Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 31, 2025

LOT 77

EDOUARD JUVET, REF. THE HUNTING TIGER, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET, GILT SILVER, ENAMEL

HKD 40,000 - 80,000

EUR 4,600 - 9,200 / CHF 4,300 - 8,600 / USD 5,200 - 10,300

A very fine and rare gilt silver, center-seconds pocket watch with enamel painting, possibly attributed to P.-Amédée Champod, featuring a duplex escapement. Made for the Chinese market circa 1870. The edge of the case and bow are decorated with half pearls. The back enamel panel depicts a dramatic hunting scene: a hunter lying on the ground being attacked by a tiger, while another hunter mounted on a camel shoots at the tiger, and a third hunter assists from the side.


Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Edouard Juvet

Model Made for the Chinese Market

Reference The Hunting Tiger

Year circa 1870

Movement No. 44011

Case No. 11

Diameter 57

Caliber duplex escapement

Signature movement

Notes

Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) first established his workshop in Buttes in 1842, but in 1844 moved to Fleurier. He began making «Chinese» watches in 1856. Edouard’s sons Ami-Louis and Léo traveled to China to work in the family firm. When Ami-Louis died there, Léo (1848-1891) took his place. In Shanghai, the Juvets were rivaled only by the Bovets, yet the two families maintained friendly relations. The Maison Juvet prospered, opening branches in Tien-Tsin and Saigon, to the extent that in 1872 Léo wrote: «Our watches sell like salt». In 1873, Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters which was used on the company’s products. He granted his son Léo power of attorney in November 1875, and after his death in February 1883, Léo succeeded him at the head of the firm. Literature: «La montre Chinoise», Alfred Chapuis.

Pierre-Amédée Champod (1834-1913) was a renowned Geneva enamel painter who, despite aspiring to create large-format works, excelled in miniature enamels. Beginning his career at sixteen, he became famous for his dynamic hunting scenes and decorative motifs on luxury timepieces for Asian markets. His work, which earned a silver medal at the 1900 Paris Exhibition, adorned watches from prestigious manufacturers like Bovet and Courvoisier Frères. Paired examples are rare and showcase the popularity of Indian scenes featuring tigers in China.