Antiquorum in Love, Impotant Horology...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 16, 1997

LOT 95

Harrache, London, No. 3734, circa 1774. "Love awaits" Very fine 18K gold and enamel, diamond set, dumb quarter repeating watch with matching key, later gold brooch pin and fitted box inscribed inside the cover: M.H.S Her Great Great Grandmother's watch.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

USD 4,800 - 6,200

Sold: CHF 9,919

C. Double body Louis XV, the back with a very fine enamel painted panel in a rose-diamond set frame, depicting a maiden visited by Cupid, outer two coloured gold chased decoration. Inside the case, the marks of Alaterre, "Fermier General " from 1768 to 1774" and the engraved inscription: The watch of Henrietta Cumpbell of Blythswood, born ......... married 1776 Archibald Swinton of Kimmeighame, (lied 1827. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Fine Louis XV rose-diamond set hands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with baluster pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass threearm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece. Repeating on the case by depressing the pendant. Signed on the dial and the back plate. Diam. 40 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 4-18

Fair

Spotted
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 26-51

Upgraded

Partially reprinted

Notes

Harrache, Thomas, French maker, worked in Pall Mall, London from 1751 up to about 1774. The case of this watch, hallmarked in Paris was undoubtedly made in France and is a very good example of a type very popular on the continent during the last quarter of the 18th century. The enamel painting is extremely fine and of much better quality than most of the later ones of this type, produced in Switzerland from 1780. According to the enamel scene, this watch was certainly a wedding present. The brooch pm was certainly made at the same time as the fitted case, just before being presented to the Great Great Grand daughter.