The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 21

King Salomon Receiving GiftsFrancis Upjohn, London, circa 1770.Very fine double-cased 22 ct. gold high relief repoussé quarter repeating watch, made for the Dutch market.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

USD 5,000 - 6,000

Sold: CHF 13,800

C. Outer: two-body, repoussé in very high relief probably depicting King Salomon receiving gifts from the Queen of Sheba, the bezel decorated with rocailles and foliage. Inner: two-body, 'bassine', band pierced and engraved with foliage, mask, and heads of exotic birds. Gilded dust cap. D. White enamel, Roman chapters, outer minute ring arched every five minutes in the Dutch manner with five-minute Arabic numerals. Blued-steel 'beetle and poker' hands. M. 29.9 mm o, gilt brass full plate with rond column pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, single-footed cock pierced and engraved with asymmetrical foliage and with exotic bird at the base, diamond endstone. Repeating on bell by depressing the pendant.Signed on the movement and dust cap.Diam. 46 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 142-143.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3 - 6 - 12
Movement: 3 - 5 - 6*
Dial: 4 - 01

Notes

The watch is remarkable on two counts: firstly, the repoussé scene is preserved in practically original condition, and secondly, it is made in parts which are soldered together in order to give the impression of depth. It is rare to find a repoussé watch with such depth of contours and in such condition.Upjohn Francisis recorded as having worked in London. He joined the Clockmakers Company in 1781 and livery Clockmakers Company, from 1787 to 1793.