Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 498

Quarter-Repeating Lepaute, Hger de l?Empereur et Roi a Paris, No. 1889. Dated October 1808. Very fine 18K gold quarter-repeating pocket watch.

CHF 5,500 - 7,000

USD 5,000 - 6,500 / EUR 3,500 - 4,500

C. Three-body, ?Empire?, No. 52, by Amy Gros (mastermark AG below a star in a lozenge), the back engine-turned grains d?orge and with central monogram on a circular reserve, reeded bezel, band and border, locking bolt for the repeat between 1 and 2 o?clock. Gilt metal cuvette hinged to the movement ring. D.White enamel with Breguet numerals, outer minute track with Arabic fifteen minute numerals. Blued steel Breguet hands with skeletonized tips. M. 47 mm., frosted gilt, standing barrel, cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance, the balance and escape wheel pivots jewelled, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator, repeating with two polished steel hammers on two gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Dial and cuvette signed, the case with Paris marks and Amy Gros mastermark. Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-29-01

Good

Lacking elements

HANDS Original

Notes

Pierre-Basile Lepaute (1750-1843). Called Sully-Lepaute, along with his son Pierre-Michel (1785-1849) he continued to run the famous company established in the 1740?s. He received the title of Horloger de l?Empereur during the Empire and Horloger du Roi at the Restoration and the July Monarchy. Under the Empire he was the main supplier of clocks to the Garde-Meuble. In 1819 and 1823 he was admitted to the Exhibitions of the Products of the Industry. The Lepautes were among the most prominent French clock and watchmakers. They were inventors, writers, researchers and excellent craftsmen. Their clients included Louis XV, Louis XVI, Madame du Barry, Duc de Bourbon, the Princesse de Monaco, King Ferdinand VI, King Charles III and Charles IV of Spain.
Amy Gros A fine casemaker who worked in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, he furnished most of the cases for the early Breguet "montres perpétuelles".