Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 16

The Attributes of Love. Attributed to Piguet & Capt, Genève, circa 1805. Very fine and rare 18K gold and painted on enamel nécessaire with a scent bottle fitted with concealed watch. In original fitted leather box, with old manuscript attesting to its provenance from the Chinese Emperor's Summer Palace.

C. Each side made up of three painted on enamel panels, the center ones depicting two putti, one holding a love torch, against a dark green background, the other side depicting a mother holding a baby, gold and azure enamel frames, the whole against black enamel, the top forming the cover decorated with courting doves, musical instruments and Cupid's attributes on the reverse, against black enamel, the lower spring-loaded panel, with courting doves and a flower basket opening to reveal the watch, edges with yellow enamel with translucent imperial blue enamel leaves and repeated engraved pattern. The hinged top reveals the nécessaire compartment with gold scent vial with gold stopper, gold ear-spoon, pencil holder and watch key. The top decorated with bouquet of flowers, azure stripe background. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 2 o'clock. Gold "spear" hands. M. 20 mm. (9'''), hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock.Dim. 91 x 28 x 13 mm.