Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 14, 2017

LOT 153

JEAN LOUIS ARGAND GOLD AND ENAMEL Jean Louis Argand and Guillaume Bouvier,Paris 1740. movement number 3887,very fine and rare gold and enamel pocket watch.

CHF 10,000 - 20,000

HKD 80,000 - 160,000 / USD 10,000 - 20,000

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Double body with gold mounts, enamelled in white with raised gold and translucent enamel decoration with rosette scrolls on the bezels, the back centred with a cartouche depicting mythological scene, borders decorated with blue and green translucent enamel and signed BOUVIER in a gold cartouche. White enamel Roman hour,outer minute track with 5 minutes Arabic markers, Blued steel beetle and poker hands. Gilt brass full plate, pentagonal pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain balance, flat spring with regulator, continenatal cock with trellis patten decoration.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-13

Good

Slightly damaged
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-72-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Chipped winding aperture

HANDS Original

Notes

Signed on the back plate Jn. Louis Argand and Bouvier on the case. DIAM. 50 mm. Guillaume Bouvier is recorded as working in Paris circa 1740, being one of a family specialising in the enamelling of watch cases and working in both France and Switzerland. A small group of watch cases bearing his signature are recorded and at least one signed plaque (see Sotheby's London, 19th March 1973, lot 268). It is usual for this technique of overlaying gold on enamel to be attnbuted to the Fromery workshops in Berlin, but the existance of many 'German enamel boxes with French mounts would indicate that there was a flourishing production in Paris as well. This particular example is of exceptional quality and in outstanding condition. Provenance: Demidoff Collection The present lot was previously sold by Neumarkt on October 8, 1971 To be sold without reserve