Important Collector's Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Dec 02, 2003

LOT 194

The Adoration of the MagiPainted on enamel case probably German, circa 1670, movement by John Pyke, London. Producedcirca 1750.Very fine and rare 22K gold and enamel pendant watch.

USD 18,000 - 25,000

EUR 15,500 - 21,500

C. Two-body, "bassine" with turned-in edges, the back painted on enamel with the Adoration of the Magi, taken from an engraving byRaphael Sadeler I after Jacopo Da Ponte, who was called Bassano de Grappa (1510-1592). Within six vignettes around the band arescenes from the life of Christ, inside the back is a painting of the apparition of the risen Christ. Four cartouches representing scenesfrom Christ's life are arranged around the inside of the band, polished gold bezel, gold pendant and bow. D. white enamel with radialRoman chapters, outer minute ring with five minute Arabic numerals. "Louis XV" hands. M. 42.8 mm. ø, hinged, gilt brass full plate withsquare baluster pillars, fusée and chain for the going train, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, blued-steel balancespring, single-footed gilded cock pierced and engraved, diamond end stone, worm and wheel set-up rack and pinion with silver plate.Movement signed.Diam. 51 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 18 - 01

Notes

Published in the Sandberg book, pages 94 and 95..This watch was sold by Antiquorum on March 31 and April 1, 2001, ? The Sandberg Watch Collection?, lot 255,The artist gave great attention to detail, as evidenced by the vignettes painted around the inside of the case which complete and matchthose on the outside.Pyke John (about 1695 - 1762)Is listed in Baillie as a "Eminent" watchmaker and a "great artist".It was a common practice in the eighteenth century to replace the movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch case, in orderto take advantage of technological advances in horology. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collections.