Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 11, 2014

LOT 233

OMEGA NEPTUNE'S CHARIOT CLOISONNE DIAL AND MOVEMENT Omega, movement No. 12337147. Made on October 6th, 1952. Very fine and very rare, cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune's chariot being drawn by two seahorses mounted in a later Omega Seamaster Ref. 2767-6 SC gold-plated case. Accompanied by an Omega extract from the archives.

CHF 25,000 - 45,000

HKD 215,000 - 391,000 / USD 28,500 - 51,500

Sold: CHF 97,350

Two-body, polished and brushed, curved lugs, snap-on back. 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. 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,


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3-10*

Good

Patinated

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

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

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. Interestingly this watch bears the movement number following the last one sold by Antiquorum (movement number 12337146 , lot 349, 14.11.2009) and represents possibly the fourth undiscovered chariot enamel dial as scholars believe only five were ever made. The original 18k gold case must have been damaged or misplaced and replaced by the current case at one point in its life but has maintained its original movement. 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. The wonderful cloisonne enamel dial has been maintained in perfect condition and is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire one of the most breathtaking Omega ever produced.