Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 20, 1991

LOT 308

Nicolas Le Noir A Rennes and Guillaume Bouvier, circa 1740. Fine and very rare gold and enamel watch.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

Sold: CHF 34,500

C. Double body with gold mounts, enamelled in white with raised gold and translucent enamel decoration with rosette scrolls on the bezels, the back centred with a cartouche depicting Eros presenting a portrait of an admirer to a lady surrounded by attendants with Cupid above, within chased swag and shell borders,decorated with blue and green translucent enamel and stamped G.B. D.White enamel Roman hour and Arabic minute numerals, centre with a lobed duodecagonal reserve decorated with gold and blue enamelled flowers on a matted ground. Gold " Louis XV" hands ( minute replaced). M. Gilt brass full plate, pentagonal pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain balance, flat spring with regulator, continenatal cock with trellis patten decoration, jewelled end-piece. Signed on the back plate. In very good condition. Diam: 50mmm.


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Notes

Guillaume Bouvier is recorded as working in Paris circa 1740, being one of a family specialising in the enamelling of watch cases and working in both France and Switzerland. A small group of watch cases bearing his signature are recorded and at least one signed plaque (see Sotheby's London, 19th March 1973, lot 268). It is usual for this technique of overlaying gold on enamel to be attnbuted to the Fromery workshops in Berlin, but the existance of many 'German enamel boxes with French mounts would indicate that there was a flourishing production in Paris as well. This particular example is of exceptional quality and in outstanding condition.