Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Hong Kong,the Ritz Carlton Hotel,harbour Room, 3rd Floor, Nov 25, 2006

LOT 33

"Diamond Flowers" H.G. (probably Henri Girardier), Geneva, No. 1486. Made for the Italian market, circa 1850. Very fine and very rare, 18K gold, champlevé enamel and rose-cut diamond-set rectangular table snuff-box with a concealed watch.

HKD 110,000 - 150,000

USD 14,000 - 19,000 / EUR 11,000 - 15,000

Sold: HKD 118,000

C. Three-body, hinged spring-loaded lid decorated with a rose-cut diamond-set flower branch on a translucent Royal blue guilloché enamel ground, the box entirely engraved with foliage and stiff-leaf decoration, the cover with translucent dark blue champlevé enamel over engine-turning, concave sides, the base with engraved coat of arms within an elaborate foliate and floral cartouche. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, polished gold plate surrounding the dial. Blued steel "Breguet" hands. M. 35 x 21 mm, rectangular, arch-top, gilt brass bridge caliber, 8 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain gilt three-arm balance, flat balance spring, index regulator with a pin protruding through the dial side. Movement punched "HG" and numbered. Dim. 92 x 60 x 21 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-50

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Two similar boxes, the movements signed "HG" have been sold by Antiquorum: Geneva, "The Sandberg Watch Collection", March 31, 2001, lot 278; Geneva, November 16, 2002, . Henri Girardier Son of Charles-Antoine, he worked with his father and with Bautte in 1834. See: "Dictionnaire des horlogers genevois, Osvaldo Patrizzi, Antiquorum Editions, 1998.