Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 152

Bovet, Fleurier,No. 207, made forthe Chinese market, circa 1835.Very fine 18K gold and painted on enamel center seconds watch.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

EUR 20,000 - 26,500

Sold: CHF 34,500

C. Three-body, back finely painted on enamel with a young lady in classical dress with a lyre and a young man with long walking stick, classical building, mountains in the background, champlevé bezels, bow and pendant, gilt metal cuvette hinged to the movement ring. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute/seconds track with fifteen-minute/seconds Arabic markers. Gold "lozenge" hands. M. 47 mm. (21'''), gilt brass, Lepine engraved caliber with standing barrel, cylinder escapement, thee-arm plain brass balance with flat balance spring.Signed on the movement.Diam. 57 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 3 - 51
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

BovetA watchmaking dynasty, begun by Edouard Bovet and his siblings Frédéric, Alphonse, Gustave, Charles-Henri, and Caroline, of Fleurier. After having opened a business in London in 1814, the Bovets founded a partnership in Canton for the China watch trade, while keeping ties with their home base of Fleurier which played a role in production. In 1855, Bovet Frères et Cie won a gold medal at the Paris International Exhibition in the luxury watches category, and the following year, Charles Bovet, Alphnse's youngest son, took on the management of the business. In 1864, the Bovets sold their firm to their manufacturing inspectors in Fleurier, Jules Jéquier and Ernest Bobillier, soon joined by Ami Leuba. The articles of association maintain the Bovet group: Maison Bovet and Bovet Bros. in London, F. and A. Bovet in Canton, and Bovet Frères et Cie in Fleurier. In 1901, the Bovet trademark is acquired at auction by César and Charles Leuba, sons of Ami Leuba, and in 1918, Jacques Ullmann & Co. ofa Chaux-de-Fonds bought the Bovet brand from Leuba Brothers, working until 1932, when Jacques Ullmann & Co. closed down.In 1966, Favre-Leuba sold the Fleurier plant to a watchmaking group, and in 1989, Parmigiani, acquired the Bovet name. A limited company registered as Bovet Fleurier S.A. was formed in 1990, and acquired the Bovet trademark. On December 28, 1994, Roger Guye and a partner bought Bovet Fleurier S.A. and opened a branch in Geneva. The company remains registered in Fleurier.