Geneva, Nov 05, 2022
LOT 121
EROS AND CUPID, ATTRIBUTED TO GUILLAUME BOUVIER
CHF 15,000 - 25,000
EUR 15,500 - 25,800 / USD 15,000 - 24,900 / HKD 118,000 - 196,000
Fine and very rare gold and enamel watch.
Double body with gold mounts, enameled in white with raised gold and translucent enamel decoration with rosette scrolls on the bezels, the back centred with a cartouche depicting Eros presenting a portrait of an admirer to a lady surrounded by attendants with Cupid above, within chased swag and shell borders, decorated with blue and green translucent enamel.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3-6* |
Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-72-01 |
Good ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Chipped winding aperture HANDS Original |
Brand Nicolas Le Noir and Guillaume Bouvier, France
Year Circa 1740
Material 18K yellow gold
Caliber Gilt brass full plate, pentagonal pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain balance, flat spring with regulator, continental cock with trellis patten decoration, jeweled end-piece.
Diameter 50 mm.
Signature on the back plate Le Noir
Notes
Guillaume Bouvier is recorded as working in Paris circa 1740, being one of a family specializing in the enameling of watch cases and working in both France and Switzerland. A small group of watch cases bearing his signature are recorded and at least one signed plaque (see Sotheby's London, 19th March 1973, lot 268). It is usual for this technique of overlaying gold on enamel to be attributed to the Formerly workshops in Berlin, but the existence of many 'German enamel boxes with French mounts would indicate that there was a flourishing production in Paris as well. This particular example is of exceptional quality and in outstanding condition.