Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

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

LOT 190

?Varicolored Gold Granulation & Amethyst? Swiss, No. 86981. Made circa 1830. Very fine and rare, 18K varicolored gold, amethyst-set, granulation decorated pocket watch.

CHF 16,000 - 20,000

EUR 10,000 - 13,000 / USD 13,000 - 16,000

Sold: CHF 17,700

C. Two-body, ?half open-face?, entirely decorated graduated granulation forming shells and rosettes, set with graduated amethysts, front bezel en suite with amethysts and applied granulations. D. Gold, brushed chapter ring with radial Roman numerals, outer dot minute divisions, engine-turned center and dial mask. Blued steel ?Breguet? hands. M. 36 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement with micrometric potence adjustment, brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock, silver regulation dial. Diam. 45 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The present watch is a particularly fine example of the granulation technique of decoration, and has been preserved in mint condition. Granulation Granulation, a technique using tiny beads of gold, was employed - and probably invented - by the ancient Etruscans, who created jewelry which was highly sought-after throughout the Mediterranean. The present lot employs true granulation which is rare. Most watches from the period using this method employed a technique in which readyto- apply gold beads were soldered onto the surface, thereby forming the desired pattern.