Important Watches, Collector's Wrist...

Hong Kong, Jun 08, 2001

LOT 399

Geneva, No. 8782, retailed by Marasca & Rossello, Montevideo, circa 1895.Fine and very rare 18K gold, platinum and diamond keyless ?Boule de Genève? watch suspended from a matching brooch.

HKD 20,000 - 23,000

USD 2,500 - 3,000

C. Three-body, ball-shaped, green gold bezels of unusual matted texture, darkened gold band, all covered with very fine platinum filigree appliqués of a floral and foliate pattern set with fine rose-cut diamonds, LeCoultre patented winding/setting system by rotating front bezel, matching gold, platinum and diamond brooch in the shape of a double ribbon suspended from a short chain. D. White enamel, Arabic numerals with ?12? in red, gold and silver paillon minute ring. Gold "spade" hands. M. 13.2mm (6'''), gilt brass, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, three-arm gilt balance, flat balance spring, winding system patented by Marius LeCoultre..Signed by the retailer on the dial, movement and case numbered.Diam. 17 mm


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 11 - 01

Notes

When Marius LeCoultre of Geneva patented the bezel winding mechanism (12 January, 1889, Swiss patent No. 114) it was mostly employed into ball shaped watches called ?Boule de Genève?. The majority of them were based on 8''' movement. They were usually well decorated but hardly ever in platinum. The present watch is unusual not only by incorporating platinum but also by its unusually small size and unusual choice of green and dark gold.