Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 12, 2019

LOT 579

OMEGA, REF. KOV 241, CHRONOGRAPH, ENAMEL DIAL, PLIQUE A JOUR

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

HKD 160,000 - 240,000 / USD 20,000 - 30,000

Sold: CHF 47,500

An extremely rare and important, possibly unique, manual wind, 18k yellow gold chronograph pocket watch with plique à jour green and gold enamel. Made by Archimede Bottazzi.


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Omega

Reference KOV 241

Year Delivered to Italy in 1919

Movement No. 5391240

Calibre  18/19 SOPB

Case No. 5619268

Dimensions 54 mm

Signature Dial, Case and Movement.

Accessories Original drawings of the case design, extract from the archives

Notes

Ordered by the Count of Capodistilista, an important Italian aristocratic family, from the famous enameller Archimede Botazzi. Today, almost forgotten, he was one of the most important artists at the time and had clients such as D’Annuzio, Edda Mussolini and the Royal Family. According to our research, the King of Italy himself had ordered a similar piece but had to interrupt his project due to financial problems. Using plique à jour technique, where enamel is applied to cells without backing which allows light to shine through, the intricate case design representing flowers, butterflies and ladybugs contributes to making this one of the most beautiful and decorative pocket watches made in that period.