The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 122

Gregson, No. 9021, Swiss, circa 1790.Very fine 18 ct. gold and enamel, pearl-set slim watch with date.

C. Two-body, 'bassine', 'Empire', back with a finely painted scene depicting a secularised infant Christ reading a book, accompanied by Saint John and the Virgin Mary. The book is traditionally the Gospels and the theme is a simple reaffirmation of the belief that Christ was always aware not only of how the Old Testament foretold his life, but also of his future. The luminous scene contrasts with the dark blue translucent enamel over engine-turned ground, bezels set with half pearls. D. White enmel, Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions with 15 minute Arabic numerals, concentric day of the month indication. Blued-steel serpentine hands. M. 38.7 mm o, hinged, gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance with blued-steel flat spring, continental two-footed cock pierced and engraved.Signed and numbered on movement, number repeated on the case.Diam.48 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 162-163.