The Art of Horology in Geneva

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 13, 1999

LOT 85

FR (Rochat), Geneva, No. 446, circa 1830.Very fine and rare, 18K varicoloured gold and enamel, pearl set small singing bird box.

CHF 65,000 - 75,000

Sold: CHF 57,500

C. Rectangular with rounded corners, engine-turned, borders, corners and lid chased with four-coloured gold foliage decoration, over a matted ground, the singing bird aperture with split-pearl set bezel. Hinged back panel for the key compartment. The singing bird box cover enamelled with a very finely painted scene, depicting a princely rowboat off the shore of Constantinople, a mosque on the left. Singing bird movement: Rectangular plates with turned pillars, fusee with chain, rectangular bello, the bird with moving wings, tail, beak and turning head, controlled by a stack of 8 cams, gold engraved grill.Signed with the Rochat FR punch mark on the back plate.Dim. 74 x 47 x 24 mm.


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

Notes

Previously in the John Asprey Collection, this watch was part of the exhibition in New York, ASPREY, 725 Fifth Avenue: Magic, Musical and Motion, an exhibition of rare 18th and 19th century watches, boxes and automata, from the Asprey private collection, No. 34, p. 43 of the catalogue.