Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 40

Doves and Flowers Bovet, Fleurier, No. 861, circa 1845, made for the Oriental market. Very rare and fine true pair of 18K gold and painted on enamel center-seconds, pearl-set watches with special escapements, in original Morocco fitted box.

CHF 40,000 - 50,000

EUR 27,000 - 32,000

Sold: CHF 66,700

C. Three-body, "Empire", back finely painted with pair of doves in a flower nest against a pink background, band decorated with floral and foliate champlevé enamel, bezels, pendant and bow set with half pearls over champlevé enamel, spring-loaded gold cuvette hinged to the movement ring. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute/seconds track with fifteen-minute/seconds Arabic markers. Blued steel "spoon" hands. M. 47 mm. (21???), gilt fully engraved Chinese caliber with standing barrel, 12 jewels, ruby duplex escapement, very unusual uncut 3-arm bimetallic balance, blued steel flat balance spring. Signed on the movements, same number on both watches, same number on both cases (861). Diam. 58 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2*

Very good

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

Notes

Bovet One of the most successful Swiss horological dynasties, established by four brothers from Fleurier. Three of the brothers, Edouard, Frédéric, and Alphonse, first set up a business in London in 1815, making watches for the domestic market. In 1818 Edouard was hired by the maison Magniac to be a watchmaker for them in Canton. In 1822, having realized the great possibilities of the Chinese market, the Bovets established their own company in China, Edouard remaining in Canton, Frédéric (born 1786) and Alphonse (1788-1850) working out of London, and Gustave (1790-1849) out of their home town, Fleurier. The youngest Bovet brother, Charles-Henri (born 1802), later joined the company as well. Affairs prospered, the name "Bovet" becoming almost synonymous with the word "watch" for the Chinese. Among the signatures on these watches, one often finds the name Bovet translated into Chinese, as well as the name "Tevob" ("Bovet" spelled backwards). In 1830 Edouard left China, returning to Fleurier with his "Chinese" son Edouard-Georges, after having become a very rich man in the Orient. Literature: "La montre Chinoise" by Alfred Chapuis.