Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 59

Cortebert, Swiss, No. 593158, case No. 1544181, circa 1928.Very fine and very rare 18K two-tone gold and enamel keyless Art Deco "chevalier" "Highest Quality" watch, destined, most likely, for Barcelona Exhibition of 1929.

CHF 4,500 - 5,500

EUR 3,000 - 3,700

Sold: CHF 5,060

C. Three-piece, hexagonal, asymmetrically shaped, yellow gold bezels with blue enamel champlevé stripe, back cover in white gold with black enamel sharp geometrical figure with engraved flowers inside, large white gold bow smoothly extending from the band, white gold hinged stand for making it a desk clock. D. Silver, matte and whitened, following the shape of the case, applied yellow gold Breguet numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Gold "cathedral" hands. M. 35 mm. (15 1/2'''), rhdium-plated, 17 jewels, 5 adjustments, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, gold wheel train.Signed on the dial.Dim. Height 50 mm, width 47 mm


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 5 - 01

Notes

In 1929 Cortebert won Grand Prix at the Barcelona Exposition. There, they exhibited many watches, among which were three Art Deco enameled ones. The present two watches (see next lot) bear consecutive numbers, are "old new" stock, have never been used, and are so much different than other Cortebert watches that there is little doubt that they must have been made for a special event, such as an exhibition. They represent the best of the Art Deco. The design, with large bows, smoothly extending frm the case, making impression that they form part of the main body of the case of simple geometrical figure is symbolic with the essence of the Art Deco style. The decoration of geometrical pattern leaving large free space on the borders to avoid the crowded impression, only enforce the image of the pure Art Deco design. It is quite conceivable that these watches are the two of the three from the Barcelona exhibition.