Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Noga Hilton, Geneva, Jun 14, 2003

LOT 203

Dieu Mon Droit Charles Oudin, Palais Royal 52, Paris, made for the Universal Exhibition, London 1862. Very fine and unique 18K gold and rock crystal-mounted quarter-repeating diamond-set keyless fob watch.

CHF 5,000 - 7,000

EUR 3,300 - 4,700 / USD 4,000 - 5,400

Sold: CHF 6,900

C. Three-body, "bassine et filets", diamond-set band, pendant and bow, the winding crown in the form of aRoyal crown, the back of rock crystal applied with a rose-diamond spray of flowers within a diamond set garter. D. Rock crystal with the applied diamond-set motto, motto "DIEU MON DROIT" for the numerals on black enamel cartouches. Diamond-set "Louis XV" hands. M. 27 mm. (12'''), gilt brass with gold wheel train, 29 jewels, counterpoised straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring, repeating on gongs with slide in the band.Signed on the movement.Diam. 33 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 6 - 01

Notes

A watch which Oudin made specially for the 1862 Universal Exhibition in London. It is described and illustrated in the catalogue as o. 21. Charles Oudin Pupil of Breguet and one of his best foremen, devised the equation of time to fit the "Montres de souscription". He was established in business on his own behalf in the Palais Royal, Galerie de Pierre from circa 1804 to 1825, and was succeeded by his son who transferred the firm to Galerie Montpensier 1830-1840 and subsequently took Detouche into partnership. A. Charpentier was successor to Oudin Fils, son of Charles, with the signature: "Charles Oudin à Paris, Horloger de L.L. M.M., l'Empereur t l'Impératrice de Russie". To accompany the display at the 1862 Exhibition in London, Oudin-Charpentier produced a book entitled : "Catalogue of Chief Exhibits by Oudin-Charpentier, principal clockmakers' to their Majesties The Queen and King of Spain and to the Imperial avy". Considering the quality of his work, it is surprising that so little is recorded about his life.