Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 59

James Hubert, London, No. 1213, circa 1760. Very fine and rare gold mounted jasper snuff box containing a watch.

CHF 40,000 - 45,000

C. Tapening double bombé hexagonal form in blood jasper overlaid with gold repoussé floral scrollwork, the hinged base opening to reveal the snuff compartment and the top covering the watch. D. White enamel with Roman and Arabic numerals, winding aperture at 3 o'clock. Blued-steel bands. M. Gilt-brass full-plate with balluster pillars. Fusee with chain, verge escapement with plain three-arm brass balance and flat spring with regulator. English pattern pierced and engraved cock. Signed on the movement. In excellent condition. Dim. 53 x 58 mm.


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Notes

Probably James Hubert II, apprenticed 1721. A watch with lapis lazuli case by this maker is in the Ilbert Collection, London. The elaborate bombé form of this snuff box is both rare and difficult to make. However a watch of similar form, imitating this quintessentially English style, but made in Friedberg by Daniel Paillet, can be seen in the Armories Museum, The Kremlin, Moscow.