Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 22, 1995

LOT 375

(Jaquet-Droz), Swiss, made for the Chinese market, circa 1790. Very fine 18 ct. gold and enamel, pearl-set, centre seconds watch.

CHF 16,000 - 19,000

USD 13,000 - 15,000

Sold: CHF 20,700

C. Double body, Directoire, the split-pearl set bezels, the pendant and bow with champleve enamelled decoration, the enamel back panel of blue translucent enamel over engine-turning, centred with a fine bunch of flowers on a pink ground, the borders with paillonné decoration. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer minute and seconds ring. Gold pierced bands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring with regulator, English gilt brass cock partly sunk in the gilt brass panel chased with foliage, covering the back plate, diamond end-stone. In very good condition. Diam. 57 mm.


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Notes

Although it is not signed, the watch presents most of the features of those made at the time in the Jaquet-Droz workshop for the Chinese market, the foot of the cock is sunk in the gilt brass plaque, engraved with foliage, applied on the back plate. By that time, the watches which were not sold in China by Maillardet or James Cox were retailed by other dealers who did not wish the pieces to be signed, with any other rame than their own.