Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 58

Catherine the Great. Pickett & Rundell, London, hallmarked 1783-84. Very fine and historically important 22K gold and enamel diamond-set royal presentation watch, presumably given to Empress Catherine the Great by King George III of England.

CHF 80,000 - 100,000

EUR 52,000 - 65,000

Sold: CHF 97,000

C. Two-body, back covered with imperial blue translucent enamel over engine-turning with the applied diamond-set initials "E II" for the initials of Catherine the Great in Russian, surmounted by a Russian crown, diamond-set frame, cream-colored enameled bezels with red enamel dots simulating rubies, pendant engraved with crowned lion's head, the crest of the English royal family. D. White enamel, radial Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 4 o'clock. Gold "arrowhead" hands. M. 31 mm., hinged, frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, lateral calibrated lever escapement, steel 3-arm balance with flat balance spring, single-footed cock.Signed on the movement.Diam. 41 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 19 - 01

Notes

An interesting watch with a royal provenance. Rundell was a watchmaker to the king who had close ties to many of the royal courts of continental Europe (see Antiquorum, April 2003, lot 546, for a watch made for Louis Philippe).All known watches made by Rundell, either in his partnership with Pickett or with Bridge, are of very high quality. The Carnegie Museum and the Wilsdorf Collection Rolex contain enameled and diamond-set watches by him which are similar to this one. His reputation was evidently so great that kings and queens honored him with their commissions.