Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

New York, Jun 12, 2012

LOT 131

THE ELEPHANT & THE SNAKE Bovet, Fleurier, the enamel attributed to P.-Amédée Champod. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1870. Very fine, large, gilt brass, painted on enamel and pearl-set center-seconds pocket watch with Jacot duplex escapement. Accompanied by a key.

USD 20,000 - 30,000

CHF 18,000 - 28,000 / EUR 15,000 - 23,000

Sold: USD 74,500

C. Three-body, Empire, the back painted on enamel with a snake attacking a group atop an elephant, pearl-set bezels, pendant and bow. Spring-loaded glazed gilt trimmed cuvette. D. White enamel, narrow radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions and Arabic 15-minute numerals. Blued steel ovoid hands. M. 54 mm, fully engraved gilt Chinese caliber, free-standing barrel, Jacot duplex escapement, three-arm steel balance with gold screws, blued steel fl at balance spring, index regulator. Case and movement signed Bovet in Chinese characters, movement signed Bovet Fleurier. Diam. 62 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

The present watch is a striking example of an Indian hunting scene and can be attributed to Amédée Champod (1834-1913). Champod was one of the most celebrated enamel painters of the 19th century, specializing in hunting scenes. He wrote that he wanted to be a painter of large scenes, but that economic realities led him to painting on enamel. He studied with Huguenin, Sauerländer, and Charles Glardon, who had the strongest impact on his future style. Champod dropped out of school at eleven and began working at the age of sixteen. At the Paris Exhibition of 1900 Champod received a silver medal, and his technique continued to be outstanding and he showed great mastery of composition. The scene on the present lot is distinguished by a large snake as opposed to the commonly seen tigers.