Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Noga Hilton, Geneva, Jun 14, 2003

LOT 138

Unsigned, Swiss, circa 1820. Very fine, 18K gold lady's pendant watch decorated with granulation technique.

CHF 4,000 - 6,000

EUR 2,700 - 4,000 / USD 3,100 - 4,700

C. Three-body, "Empire", decorated using the granulation technique to form a gold sunburst pattern, the bezels, pendant and bow ornamented using the same technique. D. Varicolored gold, matte with polished Roman numerals, outer minute dot divisions, center and outermost decorated with applied green, white and rose gold floral pattern. Gold Breguet hands. M. 36 mm., hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with flat balance spring,continental cock.Diam. 45 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Granulation, a technique using tiny beads of gold, was employed-and probably invented by the ancient Etruscans, who created jewelry which was highly sought-after throughout the Mediterranean. The present lot employs true granulation which is rare. Most watches from the period using this method employed a technique in which ready-to-apply gold beads were soldered onto the surface, thereby forming the desired pattern.