Anonymous, Swiss, circa 1845. Very fine and rare 18ct.gold and enamel huntercased watch, enamelled with a portrait of Frederick-William IV, King of Prussia. | Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 11th April 1992

Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 11, 1992

LOT 199

Anonymous, Swiss, circa 1845. Very fine and rare 18ct.gold and enamel huntercased watch, enamelled with a portrait of Frederick-William IV, King of Prussia.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

C. Five body, the back with a portrait of Frederick- William in military costume and medals, within rosetteshaped and scroll engraved border decorated with pale blue and red enamel, the cover with a symbolic scene of a crowned eagle attacking a snake,within similar border. Hinged gold cuvette with engraved specifications. D. White enamel with Roman numerals. GiIt spade hands. M. Frosted and gilt bar caliber, going- barrel, lateral lever escapement with compensation balance, flat spring. In excellent condition. Diam. 42 mm.

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Frederick-William IV, King of Prussia. Born 1795 in Berlin, died in Potsdam in 1861. Although his forbears had all been military leaders, he was himself something of a idealist. His dislike of democracy led to his refusing to authorise a Constitution for his people and declining the title of Emperor. Failing mental health forced him to hand over to his brother. The portrait depicts the King at the approximate age of fifty years, and the watch was most likely made in Neuchatel just prior to the revolution of 1 march 1848, when the monarchy was finally ousted.