Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Oct 13, 2001

LOT 584

DiogenesSebast(ian) Brössler, Prag, Bohemia, No. 352, circa 1740.Very fine 22K gold triple-cased, half quarter-repeating watch.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

USD 9,000 - 12,000

C. Outer: double-body, covered with tortoiseshell, round brass studs on bezels. Middle: double-body, the bezel pierced and chased with scrolling, the back engraved with a scene depicting a camp, Diogenes and his lantern in the foreground, Diogenes' cap is engraved "O Teon Mchel" (sic). Inner: double-body, "bassine", the back engraved with a battle scene, probably of Prague with the St. Mary of Tyn church in the background, the pierced border chased and engraved with soldiers on horseback. D. Whie enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Blued steel "poker and beetle" hands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with square baluster pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance-spring, gilt brass cock pierced and engraved with a mask and scrolling foliage, repeating on a bell by depressing the pendant.Signed on the back plate.Diam. 55 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Diogenes was the most illustrious philosopher of the school known as the cynics. He carried the principle of asceticism and scorn for social conventions to an extreme, living in a barrel. It was said of Diogenes that throughout his life he "searched with a lantern in the daylight for an honest man", the scene shown on the watch. And though Diogenes did not find an honest man, he had, in the process, exposed the vanity and selfishness of man.This watch is published in the Ruscitti book, as no. 27.