Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 163

Diamond Crescent and StarDaniel de St. Leu, Watchmaker to Her Majesty, London, case stamped with the maker's mark of John Penny, made for the Islamic market, circa 1790.Highly important 18K gold pair-cased, diamond-set quarter-striking clock watch.

CHF 80,000 - 100,000

EUR 53,000 - 67,000

Sold: CHF 86,000

C. Outer: double-body, the diamond-set bezels chased with varicolored gold floral decoration, the back applied with a diamond-set pattern of flowers and foliage, a crescent and star set with large diamonds over a matte ground. Inner: double-body, "bassine", the back pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage and flowers, a rose-cut diamond set on the pendant. D. White enamel with radial Islamic numerals. Diamond-set "fancy" hands.M. 42 mm., gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain gold three-arm balance, gilt brass cock pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage. Striking on a bell, strike-silent selection lever on the bezel. Gilt brass dust cap.Signed on the dial, the dust cap and the back plate.Diam. 60 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

This watch is remarkable for its sumptuous decoration combining chasing, engraving, and stone-setting, as well as for the size and quality of the gems. Spectacular watches such as this one were made for the Turkish, Persian, and Egyptian markets.A very similar watch is in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul.For a biography of Daniel de Saint Leu, see the previous lot.