Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Monaco, Jul 19, 2022

LOT 17

UNSIGNED
FORM-WATCH IN THE SHAPE OF A COLEOPTEROUS BEETLE; 18K YELLOW GOLD, ENAMEL, ROSE-CUT DIAMONDS AND RUBIES

EUR 8,000 - 15,900

USD 8,400 - 16,800 / HKD 66,000 - 132,000 / CHF 8,000 - 16,000

Sold: EUR 9,100

18K yellow gold, enamel, rose-cut diamond-set and ruby-set, keyless-winding, form-watch in the shape of a red coleopterous beetle with concealed dial.

Inside of the case-back with a glass compartment to hold a miniature or a photographed portrait or a lock of hair of a loved one. Movement cuvette (dome) also glazed.

White enamel dial, with radial revolving Arabic numerals; yellow gold “Spade” hands.

Movement, 24 x 20 mm., oval-shaped, gilded brass, going barrel, cylinder escapement, monometallic balance (gilded brass) and blued steel flat hairspring, polished steel index-regulator.


Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 1-6

As new

Slightly oxidized

Movement: 1*

As new

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Brand Unsigned, Geneva

Year circa 1890

Movement No. unnumbered

Case No. unnumbered

Material 18K yellow gold, enamel, rose-cut diamonds and rubies

Caliber 24 x 20 mm., oval-shaped, cylinder escapement

Dimensions 56.8 x 25 mm. (without pendant)

Weight 41.6 gr. (approx.)

Notes

Form-watch in the shape of a coleopterous beetle

A very similar form-watch, blue colour, is kept in the collection of the Imperial Palace, Forbidden City, Beijing.

Bibliography
· Timepieces in the Imperial Palace, Classics of the Forbidden City, Beijing, The Palace Museum Edition, The Forbidden City Publishing House, 2008, No. 188.