Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Noga Hilton, Oct 16, 2005

LOT 328

?Rinaldo and Armida? Case probably French, painted on enamel circa 1660. Movement by William Webster, London, No. 2363, circa 1740. Very fine 22K gold and painted on enamel pendant watch with a filigree gold outer protective case.

CHF 25,000 - 30,000

EUR 16,000 - 20,000 / USD 20,000 - 25,000

Sold: CHF 43,700

C. Two-body, 'bassine', curved band painted on enamel with figures within Claudian landscapes, the back with a scene of the two lovers Rinaldo and Armida, he holding a mirror. The inside of the case decorated with grisailles painted on enamel of a couple in a pastoral landscape. Gold pendant and bow, circa 1740. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute ring and five-minute Arabic numerals. Blued steel beetle and poker hands, the minute hand made to pass over the winding arbour. M. Made specially for the case, 33 mm, hinged gilt brass full plate with square baluster pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance with flat spring, English cock, pierced and engraved with asymmetrical scrolling foliage, a shell at the base, silvered regulation dial. Movement signed and numbered. Diam. 41 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-18-41

Good

Spotted

Repolished, edges preserved
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-24-01

Good

Slightly chipped

HANDS Original

Notes

William Webster a maker of great repute, apprentice and journeyman of Thomas Tompion, known for his excellent workmanship. Webster must have been very closely connected with Tompion, for the only early reference to Tompion's death was Webster's note in the London Gazette on November 24, 1713. In 1734 he was elected Junior Warden of the Clockmakers Company. He died in 1734 and the business was carried on by the equally respected William Webster II. It was a common practice in the eighteenth century to replace the movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch case, in order to take advantage of technological advances in horology. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collections. A watch with the case painted by Fratres Huaud containing a movement by Wiliam Webster, No. 2354 was sold by Antiquorum Geneva, The Sandberg Collection, March 31, 2001, Lot 8.