Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 42

The Great Battle of Vienna.Probably Augsburg, circa 1690.Exceptional, probably unique 22K gold "fermée" type watch case in high relief, commemorating the 1683 Battle of Vienna, today mounted as a pair of watches, signed Goldney, St. James's Street, London, circa 1833.

CHF 0 - 0

EUR 0 - 0

Sold: CHF 74,750

The watch case, "bassine" type, finely sculpted in very high relief, with center figures extending to 7 mm. above the surface, depicts the Battle of Vienna with great dynamic effect. On the back: two horsemen wage battle in the foreground, a Turk flees on horseback at the left. The front cover depicts the victorious European army and defeated Turks. The wide band chased with battle scenes, two Imperial eagles on each side of the pendant, Austrian double eagle flag, the victorious army, marchingorward with King Sobieski overseeing the troops, two captured Turks, flanking an allegory of Justice. Chased pendant with fleur-de-lis motif, loose ring.The two present watches, one originating from the case, the second from the front cover, as follows: C. Gilt engine-turned metal, glazed. D. Gold, applied radial Roman numerals, outer minute ring. Gold "spade" hands. M. Hinged, gilt metal, full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, cylinder escapements, plain steel balances with flat balance spring, single-footed cock.Signed on the movements.Diam. 47 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

This spectacular watch case exemplifies the best of the German Baroque goldsmith's art. The force of the battle scene, its dynamism and movement, are enhanced by the remarkable high relief, the whole having been executed by an exceptionally skilled sculptor. This type of case decoration is extremely rare; we know of no other watch with comparable work.The Battle of Vienna (1683)was fought by the united forces of Austria, Poland and Germany against the Ottoman Empire, under the command of Polish King Jan Sobieski (1629 - 1696). The Turks had advanced well into European territory -as far as Vienna- and threatened to extend their Empire even further. The threat was so great that the three great powers of Austria, Poland and Germany united to crush the Turks at the battle of Vienna. This defeat put an end to the Turkish advance on Western Europe.