Important Collectors Wristwatches, Po...

Geneva, Nov 14, 2009

LOT 349

Cloisonne Dial ? Neptune?s Chariot Omega, movement No. 12337146, case No. 11046236. Made circa 1954. Very fine and very rare, center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune's chariot being drawn by two seahorses.

CHF 30,000 - 50,000

USD 30,000 - 50,000 / EUR 20,000 - 35,000

Sold: CHF 66,000

C. Two-body, by Serva SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, polished and brushed, curved lugs, screw-down back. D. Polychrome cloisonne enamel on gold No. 117, by Nelly Richard, ordered from Stern Freres based on designs from 1949, depicting Neptune and two seahorses, hand cut and faceted applied yellow gold ?fantasie? indexes ? especially for Omega, Omega symbol at 6 on a brushed reserve. Yellow gold dauphine hands. M. Cal. 352, 13???, copper colored, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures, self-compensating flat balance spring, shock absorber, micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Dial marked by the artist on the back under the counter enamel. Diam. 34 mm. Thickness 10 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-9

Good

Scratched
Movement: 3-7*

Good

Oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Based on information from the Stern Freres ledgers under No. 117 (the number engraved on the back of the dial), it appears that approximately 5 similar dials were made for Omega. All were produced by the same artist, and each one is unique. This dial was made by Mlle Nelly Richard, and she received 86 Francs for it. The dial was then sold to Omega for 155 Francs. This dial was quite expensive as compared to others made at the same period. For example, Stern Freres paid Nelly Richard 68 Francs for a dragon dial ordered by Rolex, and the artist received 60 Francs for a dial made for Patek Philippe.
Nelly Richard An enamel artist who specialized in the cloisonné technique, one of Stern Frères' favorite enamelers. She made most of the dragon and map dials ordered by Rolex and Patek Philippe. She worked for Stern from the late 40?s to the 1950?s, but unfortunately died quite young.
Literature: This model is illustrated in: Omega, A Journey Through Time, Marco Richon, 2007, p. 715. A similar watch is also illustrated in: Omega Watches, John Goldberger, 2005, p.138.