The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 128

HeliosFrançois Louis Godon, Relox de Camarade S.M.C., dial by Lucard, case by Joly, circa 1800.Very fine 18 ct. gold and enamel watch with Republican date indication, with original matching fob.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

USD 9,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 21,850

C. Four-body, 'Directoire', back cover in blue opaque enamel, the centre with a golden two-horse chariot driven by a male figure within a geometrical and laurel-leaf frame. Although he may represent Helios, Helios' son Phaeton, or the god Mithras, the direction of his flowing robe and hair suggests Zephyrus, the West Wind. Band with matching enamel decorated in a geometrical pattern, gilt hinged and spring-loaded cuvette. Fob with six gold links with the same enamel, each decorated with gold snoflake rosette. D. White enamel with gold Breguet numerals, outer gold minute markers, inner gold Arabic 30 days indication. Blued-steel Breguet hands.M. 44.3 mm o, gilt brass Lepine calibre, cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance, flat balance spring.Signed F.L. Godon R(elojer)o de Camara de S.M.C. (Watchmaker to the Chamber of His Catholic Majesty) on cuvette, and F.L. Godon on dial, case stamped with casemaker's mark, French guarantee marks and number 684.Diam. 56 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 196-197.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Godon François LouisGodon's fame was due to the clocks he made for King Charles IV of Spain, among them a large white marble and ormolu clock with astronomical indications. Appointed in 1786 Relojero de Camara by Charles III, later his full title was 'Mechanical Expert and Clockmaker to the Chamber of His Catholic Majesty'. The future King Charles IV appointed him official agent, and later King's purchaser. From 1788 until his death in about 1800, he supplied the Spanish Court with many clocks and watches which madhim a considerable fortune. He was instrumental in assembling the finest collection of late 18th century and Empire clocks in the world for the Spanish Patrimonio Nacional.