Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 08, 2014

LOT 582

JUVET PAIR OF SILVER WATCHES ORIGINAL BOX AND KEYS Léo Juvet, Shanghai, No. 223643 & 223644. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1875. Very fine, pair of silver pocket watches with center seconds. Accompanied by the original Juvet red morocco fitted case and two Juvet keys.

CHF 4,000 - 8,000

HKD 33,000 - 66,000 / USD 4,300 - 8,500

Sold: CHF 17,500

Two-body, "Consular", polished, spring-loaded and glazed cuvette. White enamel, narrow radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions. Blued steel ovoid hands. 47 mm.(21''), gilded and entirely foliate engraved, "Chinese" calibre, 10 jewels, free-standing barrel, counterpoised lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

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

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Dials, cases and movements signed Juvet in Chinese characters. DIAM. 56 mm. Although most of the watches and snuffboxes destined for the Chinese market were made in pairs, the majority of them were separated. It is rare to find a pair still together and in such good condition. JUVET One of the important Swiss horological families working for the Chinese market. Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) 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 travelled to China to work in the family firm. 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. In 1873, Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters which was used on the company's products.