Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 49

Crossing the Stream. Roman, Melly & Roux a Constance, No. 8847, circa 1790. Very fine 18K gold, painted on enamel watch.

CHF 3,000 - 4,000

EUR 1,900 - 2,600

Sold: CHF 8,050

C. Two-body, back painted on enamel, depicting a young man helping a lady to cross a stream at dawn, champlevé bezels with gold paillons. D. White enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute dot divisions, winding aperture at 2 o'clock. Gold "serpentine" hands. M. 33 mm., hinged, frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock.Signed on the movement, movement also punched with a letter "C" in a shield.Diam. 39 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

An interesting piece by the brothers Melly of Geneva, who apparently took advantage of the new market opening up in Constance, where a colony of Genevan watchmakers was established. A decree of the emperor in 1785 addressed the situation of the Swiss watchmakers established there. The colony remained active until 1796.