Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

The Ritz-carlton Hotel, Jun 06, 2004

LOT 322

Geneva, circa 1840. Exceptionally rare 18K gold and enamel diamond-set suite of jewelry comprising: pendant watch, long pearl-set chain, bracelet, brooch, ring, chatelaine, small seal. Contained within an elaborately-shaped tortoise-shell fitted box. The watch:

HKD 90,000 - 110,000

EUR 9,500 - 12,000 / USD 12,000 - 14,000

Sold: HKD 115,000

C. Four-body, "bassine et filets" with coin-edge band, back with translucent Imperial blue enamel over engine-turning, center with diamond-set flowers, gold hinged cuvette. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 33 mm. (15'''), frosted gilt, cylinder escapement, three-arm gilt balance with flat balance-spring.Diam. 37 mm.The Chain: Long translucent Imperial blue enamel links alternating with pearls. Length 63 cm.The bracelet: Enameled scrolling on gold richly decorated with diamond-set flowers, whole on double-wire shank extending on the top.Diam. 70 mm. outer, 55 mm. inner.The brooch: Matching the bracelet in style and lavishness. Dim. 50 x 38 mm.The ring: Diamond-set rosette at the top, enameled top part of the extended shank. Height 21 mm.The chatelaine: Center top with enameled fleur-de-lis, diamond-set flower pattern, gold wire frame, gold spoon. Length43 mm.The seal: Crown-shaped, enameled prongs, alternating with diamonds, gold-set seal with initials.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3

Good
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Length 20 mm.Punched with French import marks. Complete suites such as this one are exceptionally rare, and afford a fascinating view of how jewelry was really worn at the time. Thus, we learn that wearing a watch on a châtelaine was still in fashion in the mid-19th century, that watches were worn sometimes on chatelaines, sometimes as pendants on chains, and sometimes as a fob hanging from a brooch. Such sets were very often broken up during estate divisions.This is the first time we have ever seen such a fine and complete set.