Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 154

Bovet, Fleurier, No. 528, made for the Chinese market, cir-ca 1840.Very fine and unusual gold and enamel center seconds watch with special escapement, accompanied by a matching gold and enamel pencil.

CHF 15,000 - 25,000

EUR 13,000 - 16,500

Sold: CHF 20,700

C. Two-body, spring-loaded, back cover very finely decorated with gold and champlevé and remoulayé enamel, depicting griffins, flowers and foliage, the bezels and pendant decorated en suite, gold glazed hinged spring-loaded cuvette mounted to the movement ring. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute/seconds track. Gold "spoon" hands. M. 47 mm. (21'''), gilt brass fully engraved Chinese caliber, ruby duplex escapement, plain five-arm steel balance, blued steel flat balance spring.Signed on the movement, case punched with maker's mark "C" in a shield.Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 4 - 51
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

In this watch are present all of the most popular decorative techniques of the goldsmith's art and enameling of the mid 19th century: engraving, chasing, champlevé and remoulayé enamel, and gold and colored paillons. Here it is the enamel which serves as the decoration, with its references to rocaille and Renaissance elements, is exemplary of the decorative eclecticism of the time.For a biography of Bovet, see lot 152.