Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Jun 01, 2024
LOT 181
L. VRARD & CO /HENGDELI, MADE FOR CHINESE MARKET, POCKET WATCH, SILVER GILT AND ENAMEL
HKD 22,000 - 40,000
EUR 2,700 - 4,800 / CHF 2,600 - 4,700 / USD 2,900 - 5,200
A fine and rare, silver-gilt, painted-on enamel and pearl-set pocket watch with white enamel dial, center-seconds. Gold plated silver case decorated with half pearl-set bezel, pendant, and bow set. The back cover is decorated with painted-on enamel showing a young couple dating in the countryside with their lovely bird, on a royal blue background, gilded and entirely engraved movement, signed with Chinese “Hengdeli” signature.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand L. VRARD & CO /HENGDELI
Model Made for Chinese Market
Year circa 1880
Case No. 9
Diameter 40mm.
Signature case and movement
Notes
The company’s first venture was a store set up in Tientsin (now known as Tianjin), swiftly followed by the establishment of a second outlet in Shanghai in 1864, located at 36 Nanking Road. Here, L. Vrard & Co. served as agents for the Bovet brand from Fleurier. Their expansion continued with the opening of a store in Hankow (Hankou) in 1889, along with additional branches in Hong Kong and Peking (Beijing). Their watch offerings ranged from simple designs to intricate grand complications.