Ilbery, London, 7241, circa 1810. Exceptionally fine and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel watch for the Chinese market, with special escapement, the painting signed V. Dupont pinx. | Important Collectors Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, Clock | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 20th October 1991

Important Collectors Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 20, 1991

LOT 428

Ilbery, London, 7241, circa 1810. Exceptionally fine and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel watch for the Chinese market, with special escapement, the painting signed V. Dupont pinx.

CHF 160,000 - 180,000

Sold: CHF 182,250

C. Two body, the bezels decorated with a chevron pattern in scarlet translucent enamel with panels of black and white chevron bars, back panel with a scene of two young ladies and a gentleman admiring a miniature portrait. Hinged gold cuvette with bright-cut engraved decoration. D. White enamel, Roman numerals, minute and seconds ring (invisible repair). Gold spade hands with counterpoised center-seconds. M. 23"' entirely engraved, skeletonised and gilt, of usual caliber, with free-standingbarrel, duplex escapement, plain polished five-arm steel balance, flat spring and diamond end-stone. Signed on the movement. In good condition. Diam. 59mm.

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Jean-Francois-Victor Dupont, 1785-1863, probably the finest painter in enamel of his age working in Geneva. His work included portraits of distinguished personnages of his (King George IV, Henri IV etc.), as well as boxes and particularly watches destined for the Chinese market. For the latter he co-operated frequently with Ilbery.A particular feature of his work was the ability to paint a group of figures posed in the same plane without giving an impression of overcrowding. The distinctive colouring may well derive from the fact that he mixed his own colours.