Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 21

The Adoration of the MagiPainted on enamel case probably German, circa 1670, movement by John Pyke, London, circa 1750.Very fine and rare 18K gold and enamel watch.

CHF 20,000 - 25,000

EUR 13,500 - 17,000

Sold: CHF 21,850

C. Two-body, "bassine", with turned-in edges, the back painted on enamel with the scene of the adoration of the Magi taken from an engraving by Raphael Sadeler I after Jacopo Da Ponte, who was called Bassano de Grappa (1510-1592). Within six vignettes around the band are scenes from the life of Christ, inside the back is a painting of the apparition of the risen Christ. Four cartouches representing scenes from Christ's life are arranged around the inside of the band, polished gold bezel, gold pedant and bow. D. White enamel, radial Roman chapters, outer minute ring with five minute Arabic numerals. "Louis XV" hands. M. 42.8 mm. ø (19'''), hinged, gilt brass full plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain for the going train, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, blued steel balance spring, single-footed gilt cock pierced and engraved, diamond endstone, worm and wheel set-up rack and pinion with silver plate.Signed on the movement.Diam. 51 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 18 - 01

Notes

Previously in the Lord Sandberg Collection, sold in Geneva, March 31, 2001, lot 255.It was a common practice in the 18th century to replace the movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch case, in order to take advantage of technological advances in horology. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collections.Several years ago, Jean-Claude Sabrier, researching the records of Ferdinand Berthoud, came upon an order from a Monsieur Muchain in 1789 for a movement specially made for his old enamel case. Berthoud made a movement in 1789 (No. 2358). This conclusively proved that old enamel cases were held in such high esteem as to warrant an expense of a movement custom made for them.