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

Diameter 50 mm.

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.

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.