Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 15, 2016

LOT 196

ILBERY ABELARD & HELOISE ENAMEL PEARL AND GOLD Ilbery, London, No.6664, the enamel attributed to Hess, Geneva. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1820. Very fine and rare, 18K gold, pearl and painted on enamel pocket watch with duplex escapement.

CHF 60,000 - 80,000

HKD 480,000 - 640,000 / USD 62,000 - 83,000

Three-body, "Empire", the bezel, stem and bow set with split- pearls, hinged and sprung back cover with split-pearl border, dark blue guilloche enamel and engraved gold border, the shield-shaped central panel finely painted with a scene of Abelard and Heloise, he with a bow and hunting horn. Hinged and sprung gold cuvette. White enamel with radial Roman numerals and outer minute track, fleur-de-lys quarter hour markers, large subsidiary seconds. Gold concave hands. Gilt "Chinese" caliber, foliate chased and engraved, hanging barrel, duplex escapement, polished steel five-arm balance, blued steel flat balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator. Movement signed.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

DIAM. 60 mm. Little is known about the enamel painter HESS who is recorded at 42, Allemands - Dessous, Geneva, in 1828. His work is of extremely high quality and it is likely that his unsigned work has often been mistaken for the work of JEAN-LOUIS RICHTER. The large almond shaped eyes of the subjects seem to be an identifying feature of his work. A fine watch for the Chinese market, the enamel signed by Hess was sold by ANTIQUORUM, Hong Kong, 9th & 10th July 2005, Lot 366. The present lot was previously sold by Antiquorum Geneva, on June 10, 1997, lot 417.