The Art of Horology in Geneva

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 13, 1999

LOT 101

E. M. Ruegger à Genève, No. 5895, circa 1830.Extremely rare and fine, 18K gold and enamel watch, decorated with the Arms and traditional costumes of each of the 22 Cantons of the Helvetic Confederation.

CHF 35,000 - 40,000

Sold: CHF 46,000

C. Three body with scalloped edge, the enamelled bezel decorated with the painted Arms of the22 cantons, the back centred with their traditional costumes within sectors, the centre painted with a view of Lake Geneva and the castle of Chillon. Hinged gold cuvette. D. Engine-turned with Roman numerals on an eccentric polished chapter ring. Gold Breguet hands. M. 15''', gilt brass, bar calibre with going barrel, cylinder escapement, plain gilt brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring.Signed on the dial and cuvette.Diam. 47 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4 - 21
Movement: * 3
Dial: 3 - 5 - 01

Notes

Extremely rare, this type of watches were usually sold with a matching bracelet also decorated with the Arms and traditional costumes of the 22 Cantons.E. M. RueggerWatchmaker, who settled in Geneva in the 56, rue Bel-Air, he also had premises in Paris on the 38, rue Coquillère. He was specialised in the production of high quality watches with enamelled cases painted by the most eminent craftsmen of Geneva. He was among the first makers in Geneva to use an early form of lateral lever escapement. His signature is found on a petition dated February 2, 1829, addressed to Mr. Gautier, the Director of the Geneva Observatory, requesting for the construction of aew Observatory.