The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 255

The Adoration of the MagiPainted on enamel case probably German, circa 1670, movement by John Pyke, London, circa 1750.Very fine and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel watch.

CHF 20,000 - 25,000

USD 12,000 - 15,000

Sold: CHF 23,000

C. Two-body, 'bassine' with turned-in edges, the back painted on enamel with the adoration of the Magi, taken from an engraving by Raphael Sadeler I after Jacopo Da Ponte, who was called Bassano de Grappa (1510-1592). Within six vignettes around the band are scenes from the life of Christ, inside the back is a painting of the apparition of the risen Christ. Four cartouches representing scenes from Christ's life are arranged around the inside of the band, polished gold bezel, gold pendant and bowD. White enamel, radial Roman chapters, outer minute ring with five minute Arabic numerals. 'Louis XV' hands. M. 42.8 mm o, hinged, gilt brass full plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain for the going train, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, blued-steel balance spring, single-footed gilded cock pierced and engraved, diamond endstone, worm and wheel set-up rack and pinion with silver plate.Signed on the movement.Diam. 51 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 94-95.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 18 - 01

Notes

The artist gave great attention to detail here, as evidenced by the vignettes painted around the inside of the case, completing and matching those on the outside.Pyke John(about 1695 - 1762), he is listed in the Baillie as a 'Eminent' watchmaker and a 'great artist'.It was a common practice in the eighteenth century to replace the movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch case, in order to take advantage of technological advances in horology. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collectionsSee lots 264 for a discussion of the replacement of movements in important 17th century cases.