Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Oct 13, 2001

LOT 598

The BuildersUnsigned, probably Geneva, circa 1795.Very fine and unusual 18K gold and enamel, diamond-set, double-face watch with visible balance and automaton scene.

CHF 40,000 - 50,000

USD 24,000 - 30,000

Sold: CHF 51,750

C. Double-body, "Directoire", polished with glazed back. D. Small eccentric white enamel with Breguet numerals. Blued steel "Breguet" hands. Gold dial plate engraved with branches of foliage over a hatched ground, balance aperture above the dial with a rose-cut diamond-set decoration. The varicolored gold automaton scene on the back, applied over a finely painted enamel village landscape, features four automaton figures busily constructing a building: a man on a scaffolding, sculpting a capital,two stone cutters in the foreground cutting a block of stone, a water mill on the right with flowing water and a revolving wheel. M. Inverted gilt brass full plate with fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass four-arm balance, flat balance-spring, rose-cut diamond-set bridge. Independent train with fixed barrel, driving the automata by means of cams and levers.Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: 3 - 5 - 6*
Dial: 3 - 22 - 01

Notes

Scenes such as this one, with artisans such as wood workers, stone-cutters, builders, and other professions, were commonly featured at the time.This watch is published in the Ruscitti book, as no. 62.