100 Years of Wristwatches
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 19, 2000
LOT 51
Mido No 200775, first edition, 1920's.Very fine and rare 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch in shape of a Bugatti radiator grill.
CHF 30,000 - 35,000
USD 18,000 - 20,000
Sold: CHF 35,650
C. two-body, shaped, solid, polished, hinged back, wire lugs top winder, at 12 o'clock, red enamel medallionbearing the initials 'E.B'. D. gray, the grill design with painted Arabic numerals. 'Breguet' blued steel hands.M. 9''' rhodium plated, 15 jewels, lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, 3 adjustments, flat balance spring.Dial, case, and movement signed.Dim. 24 x 35 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 4 |
Fair |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3 - 5 - 01 |
Notes
Research indicates that the original Bugatti radiator wristwatch model was produced in three small series during the1920's. The watch now offered for sale was owned by Jean Bugatti himself. It was sold in an auction of The Estate ofEbe Bugatti, (Jean Bugatti's sister), in Paris, in the 1990's. About a dozen wristwatches of this type are currently knownto have survived, from all the series made, and most of them belonged to people closely associated with the Bugattifamily or with the firm.Among the examples that have survived, eight belonged to the following:Ettore Bugatti Mr. Le Prandieres, coach builder for Bugatti in ParisJean Bugatti, son of Ettore Bugatti Col. W. Sorel, British representative for BugattiRené Dreyfus, team racing driver Unknown, possibly Ruddy CaracciolaErnst Friedrich, racing mechanic Louis Chiron, team racing driver