This exceptional watch is one of a handful known that are decorated with a painted enamel peony fl ower that occupies the entire back of the case. Of this small group, the present watch is the most mechanically complicated with Grande Sonnerie striking and tripquarter- repeating. It is very rare to fi nd a watch from this period and of this quality in such exceptional condition and of large size with a complicated movement. The movement is also exceptional for the period and was executed when Grande Sonnerie striking work in watches was almost unheard of and required exquisite workmanship in order to make it work correctly. The movement has evidently been made especially for this watch having a large diameter and highly unusual construction. The striking itself is also worthy of note, demonstrating ?quarters fi rst? striking and repeating. In this type of striking the quarters are struck before the hours and in the present watch even at the hour four strikes are heard before the hours are struck. This unusual and rare striking form is only very occasionally found and is usually associated with German coach watches of the 18th century, almost never in a watch of this size. The extra feature of ?trip? repeating whereby the watch can be made to repeat the quarters and hours by the slightest touch of the central pearl in the pendant is also a complication that is exceptionally rare at this period, this combined with the Grande Sonnerie striking further emphasizes how special this watch was considered by its maker. The present silver-gilt dial is scratch dated ?1893? on the reverse and it is likely that this dial replaced the original (probably white enamel) dial at this date.
The incredible realism and depth of the painted on enamel fl ower show that it is certainly by one of the best Genevan enamel painters, evidently the same one that decorated the case of an almost identical watch sold as part of the Albert Odmark Collection, Christie's London, March 11, 2005 and another sold by Antiquorum, Geneva, May 15th, 2005, lot 204. A watch decorated with a peony fl ower and sold by Antiquorum, Geneva on 18th April 1998, Lot 51, also belongs to this series. Further such watches were sold by Antiquorum on November 13-14, 2004, lot 48, April 21, 1996, lot 267 (almost identical to the one sold in 2004) and Another example in the form of a pink rose sold at Sotheby's, Masterpieces from the Time Museum, December 2, 1999, Lot 26. The enamel fl ower extends to the very edges of the case with the effect of allowing the full beauty of the fl ower to be appreciated as a work of art. The artist was clearly an experienced painter of botanical specimens because the watch is decorated as a true representation of the fl ower it depicts - a spectacular example of the art of enameling The peony fl owers have great symbolic importance for the Chinese. By their form, aspect, and fragrance, they are considered to be highly spiritual, refl ecting the profound nature of the Chinese people. Poems and proverbs show the importance of fl owers in the culture: ?There is no fl ower without beauty in the world?; ?A fl ower gives us a glimpse of paradise?. Flower motifs are often used in art objects and objects of value. Certain fl owers have a particular importance. The lotus symbolizes purity, the chrysanthemum perseverance, the plum blossom integrity, etc. The importance of fl owers is so great that a country's destiny can become linked to that of a fl ower. The peony, with its generous forms, brilliant colors, and heady fragrance, thus became the most important fl ower for the Chinese. It is considered to symbolize wealth, nobility, power, and happiness. Known as the ?queen of fl owers? or the fl ower of riches and honor, the peony symbolizes wealth and distinction. Paintings of peonies are often hung in Chinese homes for good luck and in offi ces to bring success in business. The complimentary of opposites is another traditional Chinese theme associated with the peony, which is thought to be a positive infl uence for woman and man living harmoniously together. The Chinese peony is also an emblem of love and a symbol of feminine beauty. In the ancient Chinese "Book of Odes", amorous youths and maidens give each other peonies. White peonies traditionally symbolize young girls who are distinguished mainly by their wit but also by their beauty. Red has long been regarded as a life-giving color, so red peonies are admired and highly valued. The peony is one of the fl owers of the four seasons and corresponds to late spring and early summer. Subtle lines are often employed in Chinese paintings of peonies in order to depict the life force of the plants. The deep and rich symbolism attached to the fl ower for the Chinese would have made it an ideal subject for expensive watches and those destined for exalted patrons, even for the Emperor himself. The fl ower's symbolism would have been immediately recognized and appreciated by China's elite, who would have seen in it a fl attering reference to their own wealth and power.