Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 73

Plan & Marie, probably Geneva, circa 1770. Fine and unusual 18K gold skeletonized watch with later gold and enamel chatelaine.

C. Two-body, "Louis XV", glazed, back crystal with a painted portrait (later) of a gentleman, bezels with floral decoration. Chatelaine: designed as richly decorated architectural niche with a standing knight, the base with translucent imperial blue enamel, three chains descending with hollow links decorated with white and blue enamel, the central one for the watch, the outer ones terminating in a gold horn and a silver and gold cross. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with five-minute Arabic markers, winding aperture at 2 o'clock. Gold "Louis XV" hands.M. 35 mm, gilt brass, back plate fully skeletonized and engraved, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, cylinder escapement with brass escape wheel, steel balance with flat balance spring, double-footed bar cock.Signed on dial and movement, chatelaine punched with the letter "B" in a shield with two laurel leaf branches.Diam. 42 mm.