Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhône, Nov 12, 2006

LOT 167

?Diamond-Set Lorgnette for the Islamic or Russian Market? Swiss. Made circa 1860. Very fine and extremely rare 18K gold and enamel, rose diamond- set folding lorgnette with concealed watch. To be sold without reserve

CHF 17,000 - 22,000

EUR 11,000 - 14,000 / USD 14,000 - 18,000

Sold: CHF 18,880

C. Spring-loaded front cover decorated with a rose diamond-set flower on a translucent red guilloche enamel ground, rose-cut diamond-set border, the back cover decorated to match and the handle decorated with matching enamel and set with 9 large rose-cut diamonds, suspension loop set with two diamonds. D. White enamel, radial Islamic numerals, outer minute track, set in a gold, enamel and rose-cut diamond-set plate decorated to match the case. Gold ?Breguet? hands. M. 20 mm, 7???, gilt brass bar caliber, 8 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain gilt brass three-arm balance, blued-steel flat balance spring. Dim. 84 x 25 mm. Property of a Swiss Gentleman


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 4**

Fair

Repair required, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Lorgnettes are a form of eyeglasses that are not attached to the face in any way. They are, instead, held up to the eyes by a handle and were suitable for infrequent use. Those made for the Islamic market are very rare. Lorgnettes became fashionable around 1850. They were popular accessories for balls, the theater, and the opera, and watchmakers quickly found the means of fitting watch movements to them in ingenious and stylish ways.