Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

The Ritz-carlton Hotel, Hong-kong, Jun 08, 2002

LOT 406

The Adoration of the MagiPainted on enamel case probably German, circa 1670, movement by John Pyke, London, circa 1750.Very fine and rare 18K gold and enamel watch.

HKD 120,000 - 155,000

EUR 17,000 - 23,000 / USD 15,000 - 20,000

C. Two-body, "bassine" with turned-in edges, the back painted on enamel with the Adoration of the Magi, taken from an engraving by Raphael Sadeler I after Jacopo Da Ponte, who was called Bassano de Grappa (1510-1592). Within six vignettes around the band are scenes from the life of Christ, inside the back is a painting of the apparition of the risen Christ. Four cartouches representing scenes from Christ's life are arranged around the inside of the band, polished gold bezel, gold pendant and bowD. White enamel, radial Roman chapters, outer minute ring with five minute Arabic numerals. "Louis XV" hands. M. 42.8 mm. ø, hinged, gilt brass full plate withsquare baluster pillars, fusee and chain for the going train, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, blued-steel balance spring, single-footed gilded cock pierced and engraved, diamond endstone, worm and wheelset-up rack and pinion with silver plate.Signed on the movement.Diam. 51 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 18 - 01

Notes

The artist gave great attention to detail here, as evidenced by the vignettes painted around the inside of the case,completing and matching those on the outside.Pyke John (about 1695 - 1762)He is listed in the Baillie as a "Eminent" watchmaker and a "great artist".It was a common practice in the eighteenth century to replace the movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch case, in order to take advantage of technological advances in horology. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collectionsIt was a common practice in the eighteenth century to replace the movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch case, in order to take advantage of technological advances in horology. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collections.