Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 13, 2016

LOT 380

"THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE" JOHN CURTIS LONDON GILT "The Presentation in the Temple" John Curtis, London, No. 5918. Made for the Dutch market, London hallmarks for 1786. Fine, 22K gold repoussé pair-cased pocket watch with outer gilt brass and shagreen protective case. Dial and movement signed, movement and inner case numbered.

CHF 6,000 - 8,000

HKD 48,000 - 64,000 / USD 6,000 - 8,000


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

DIAM. 55 mm.including outer case. The scene depicted on the repoussé case of the present watch derives from a painting by Charles Lebrun. The painting was adapted for a design by the great gold chaser Augustin Heckel and was used on some watch cases by him. Subsequent versions of the scene on watch cases are clearly dependent on this design and the present watch shows his influence over forty years after his retirement. Another watch with the same case design and signed Curtis, London, No. 5921 and also dating from 1786-7 is illustrated in: Richard Edgecumbe, The Art of the Gold Chaser in 18th Century London, Oxford University Press, 2000, fig. 48e.