Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 122

Guardian of the SpheresGübelin, Swiss, sold in October 1952.Very fine and extremely rare 18K gold and cloisonné enamel keyless center seconds self-winding dress watch.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

EUR 10,000 - 13,000

Sold: CHF 25,300

C. Three-body, "bassine", massive, back decorated in cloisonné enamel with the Earth, its celestial projections and Zodiac signs, translucent dark blue enamel frame with sunburst gold motif, polished band and front bezel.D. Cloisonné enamel with dark red Saturn, the "guardian of the Spheres" and ruler of the sun sign Capricorn, in a circle of fire representing the Sun, orbiting moon and blue stars, applied gold radial Roman numerals and bâton indexes. Gold "Alpha pleines" hands. M. 26 mm. (11 1/2'''), rhodium-plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 25 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance with self-compensating flat balance spring, anti-shock system on the balance, patented micrometric regulatr.Signed on dial, case and movement.Diam. 45 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

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

Notes

The watch is the only self-winding pocket watch made by Gübelin. It was made in very few examples.The decoration of the watch symbolizes Strength and Fate. The zodiacal projections of the Earth shown on the back represent Fate and links to Time. The dial, representing Saturn, its moons and rings, here represented by the ring of fire, symbolizes strong powers of protection.The rings of Saturn have fascinated astronomers ever since they were discovered by Galileo in 1610. The rings show a tremendous amount of structure on all scales; some of this is due to gravitational disturbances by Saturn's many moons, but much of it remains unexplained, which adds to the planet's mystery and astrological importance. According to astrology, Saturn is the planet of responsibility, hard work and discipline.We are indebted to Monsieur Frank Lottenbach of Gübelin for providing us with details of the watch.We are indebted to Monsieur Frantz Lottembach of Gübelin for providing us with details of the watch.