The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 48

The TelescopeGeneva, No. 2243, retailed by Fraser & Sons, London, circa 1800.Magnificent, very rare and fine 18 ct. gold and enamel, pearl-set telescope fitted with a watch.

CHF 150,000 - 200,000

USD 90,000 - 200,000

Sold: CHF 245,500

C. Four concentric sliding cylinders, the outer one entirely enamel painted on gold, with alternating grey and imperial blue rhomboidal panels, the gray ones very finely painted with flower bouquets, the blue ones with flower wreaths and garlands suspended from the beaks of flying doves, the cross points with gold half pearl-set oak leaves, the inner cylinders polished gilt, the eyepiece set with pearls and engraved, the top with a watch hinged in a round, threaded case screwed over the lens, deorated with double rows of pearls, reeded edges and engraved base. D. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions. Gold 'beetle' hands. M. 35.2 mm o, hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, continental cock pierced and engraved with floral pattern repeated five times around, ruby endstone.Signed by the retailer in the eyepiece, which is also stamped with later French import marks.Dim. Length when open 510 mm, closed 181 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 396-397.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

Extremely rare and superbly finished, this telescope is one of only four known 'long' telescopes fitted with watches. Surprising as it might be, the optics are of very acceptable quality.Fraseris listed as having been active in London in the late 18th century, he specialised in pedometers.Bautte Lot Cie. (1772-1837)Jean-François Bautte was born on March 26, 1772 in a family of simple labourers and was orphaned at the early age. He was apprenticed at twelve successively learning the crafts of case-maker, engine-turner, watchmaker, jeweller and gem-setter. He was barely nineteen years old when he put his name on his first watch. Two years later, in 1797, Bautte took as partner the case-maker Moulinié and the firm Moulinié Lot Bautte in 1804 was joined by the watchmaker Jean Gabriel Moynie., The name of the Cmpany then became: Moulinié, Bautte Lot Cie. before being renamed Moulinié, Bautte Lot Moynier.By that time, Bautte was the most important dealer of Geneva. Ruskin in Praerita (The Works of Ruskin, Vol. 35, Praerita, page 325) reports this story about the celebrated dealer:A visit to Bautte's was made with trepidation, as if one was going to see one's banker. Hardly an indication on the building; a simple brass plate at the side of the narrow, vaulted entrance. The alley gave onto a courtyard resembling a cloister, and a large open staircase, wide enough for two people, led you to the green gate. There you paused to pluck up courage before entering.The room was not large and had only one counter in a corner. Nothing was displayed on this counter behind which two trusted employees attended. At the back, close to the window, was one of the heads of the house at his desk, Mr. Bautte, his son or his partner. Then one had to say what one wanted and to be decisive.In Bautte's shop, nothing was laid out to tempt the eyes. You wanted a bracelet, a brooch, a plain or an enamelled watch, serenely a choice was laid before you. There were neither large stones, nor flashy jewels, but fine work, made of the purest gold, enamels remarkable for their colours, all showing a certain 'finesse Bauttesque', interlaced garlands which an experienced eye recognised as being in the style of Paris or London. These items, of modest price, would last lifetime. One went away frm Bautte's with the feeling of having accomplished a duty, and certain of possessing an object of value.When Jean François Bautte died on November 30, 1837, his son Jacques Bautte and his son-in-law Jean Samuel Rossel, formed a partnership styled 'Jean François Bautte Lot Cie.' to perpetuate the founder's vision. Jacques Rossel, the son of Samuel, by 1883 became the sole owner of the Company, changing its name to 'J. Rossel Fils' . When he died in 1887, he was succeeded by Felipe Hecht and later his son Juan. In 1906, Juan Hecht turned over all his interests in the company to a friend and parent Cnstant Girard-Gallet, owner of Girard-Perregaux Lot Cie.