Exceptional Horological Sale Celebrat...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Apr 24, 2004

LOT 266

Just & Son, London, No. 1927, circa 1840. Very fine 18K gold and painted on enamel center seconds watch with ruby duplex escapement made for the Chinese market.

CHF 12,000 - 16,000

EUR 7,600 - 10,000 / USD 9,400 - 12,500

Sold: CHF 20,700

C. two-body, "Lepine", the back painted on enamel with bouquet of flowers against translucent scarlet enamel over flinqué, champlevé border, bezels, pendant, and bow, gilt brass glazed cuvette hinged to the movement ring.D. white enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute/seconds divisions. Blued steel "fleur-de-lis" hands.M. 45 mm, gilt brass, fully engraved "Chinese" caliber with standing barrel, ruby duplex escapement with ruby rest insert and steel impulse pin, bimetallic uncut balance, flat balance spring.Signed on the movement.Diam. 53 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3 - 40
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

The so-called "Chinese watches" were made predominantly for the Chinese market according to the Chinese taste. During the 18th and 19th centuries watches and clocks were the most sought-after European products in China. They were always included among the gifts to the Chinese Emperors, and many were purchased by the Emperor and the upper classes. The Russian market was almost as important as the Chinese one at the time. The Russians were great lovers of decorative watches, which they purchased mainly from Swiss manufactories. The predominance of the French in the domain of complicated watches for Russia lasted until the second half of the 19th century, when firms such as Moser, Grandjean, and others, imposed their high-quality products. The Russian taste for rich decoration prompted Swiss makers to produce sumptuously decorated pieces for this market. These pieces were adorned with enamel and pearls, in a style which resembled that of "Chinese" watches.