Charles-Henri Vaucher, Fleurier. Not to be confused with Vaucher frères. The firm was established by Charles-Henri Vaucher in Fleurier, in what later became the "Hotel de Ville". In 1838 Vaucher sent a number of watches, some enameled, to Canton, attracting the attention of Louis Bovet, who mentioned them to his uncle Edouard. The company had a branch in London; later it moved to Trévise.
Flowers have great symbolic importance for the Chinese. By their form, aspect, and fragrance, they are considered to be highly spiritual, reflecting the profound nature of the Chinese people. Poems and proverbs show the cultural importance of flowers: ?There is no flower without beauty in the world?; ?A flower gives us a glimpse of paradise?. Certain flowers have a particular significance. The lotus symbolizes purity, the chrysanthemum perseverance, the plum blossom integrity, etc. The peony, with its generous forms, brilliant colors, and heady fragrance, became the most important flower for the Chinese. It is considered to symbolize wealth, nobility, power, and happiness. Known as the ?queen of flowers?, the peony symbolizes wealth and distinction. Paintings of flowers are often hung in Chinese homes for good luck and in offices to bring success in business. Since red is regarded as a life-giving color, red flowers are admired and valued. The deep and rich symbolism the Chinese attached to flowers made them an ideal subject for expensive watches and those destined for exalted patrons, even for the Emperor himself. The symbolismof each flower would have been immediately recognized and appreciated by China's elite, who would have seen in them a flattering reference to their own wealth and power.