Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Nov 30, 2025

LOT 342

UNSIGNED, A MIRROR ENAMEL HUNTING CASE, GRAND SONNERIE AND MINUTE REPEATING, POCKET WATCH, ENAMEL AND 18K YELLOW GOLD.

HKD 450,000 - 650,000

EUR 51,000 - 73,000 / CHF 46,700 - 68,000 / USD 58,000 - 84,000 / JPY 8,930,000 - 12,900,000

A exceptional and very rare, 18K yellow gold, hunting case, keyless, roundshaped, mirror-image enamel painting, large pocket watches, with grand sonnerie and white enamel dial, made for the Chinese market. The mirror enamel painting is inspired by Raphael’s Alba Madonna, depicting a scene with rich colors and intricate details. The circular enamel painting is framed by a delicate border with white enamel and gold accents. Minute-repeater with carillon on three steel gongs by three hammers (activated by the rectangular push-piece at 6 o’clock). Grande Sonnerie (position lever of “Silence” and “Sonnerie” at 1:30), twin-barrel differential-winding.


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3*
Dial: 3-01

Good

Brand Unsigned

Model grand sonnerie and minute repeating

Year circa 1896

Case No. 2509

Diameter 56 mm.

Caliber 45 mm, 32 jewels, gilded brass movement with a Breguet overcoil hairspring, straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensated balance featuring gold poising screws. The hairspring is made of blued steel with a terminal curve, complemented by a polished steel index regulator. Repeater work on the main plate, under the dial, with a silent centrifugal force governor to regulate the speed of the repetition mechanism.

Weight 130.8gr. (approx.)

Signature case

Notes

This exceptional pocket watch case is 56mm, featuring a white enamel dial with a small subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and equipped with a grand sonnerie and minute repeating functions. The 18K yellow gold hunting case with mirror enamel painting beautifully captures “Raphael’s Alba Madonna”, depicting the Virgin Mary seated gracefully in flowing blue and pink robes, holding a book, with two cherubic infants nearby—one holding a small cross symbolizing Christ’s future sacrifice. The serene pastoral background adds depth and tranquility to the scene. The delicate brushwork and vibrant colors showcase exquisite miniature enamel artistry and luxurious craftsmanship. Raphael’s Alba Madonna, painted around 1510, is a celebrated Renaissance masterpiece portraying the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and young John the Baptist, symbolizing the connection between Christ’s birth and sacrifice. Known for its harmonious composition, balanced colors, and tender interaction among figures, it exemplifies Raphael’s mastery of emotion and form. Originally commissioned for a private chapel, it is now housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. of emotion and form. Originally commissioned for a private chapel, it is now housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.