Geneva, Nov 09, 2025

LOT 441

UNSIGNED, SWITZERLAND, MOHAMED EL-AMINE BEY , "LE BEY", PRESENTATION POCKET WATCH GIFTED FROM MOHAMED EL-AMINE BEY TO PIERRE VOIZARD, RESIDENT GENERAL OF FRANCE IN TUNISIA, GOLD AND ENAMEL

CHF 3,000 - 6,000

HKD 29,200 - 59,000 / USD 3,800 - 7,500 / EUR 3,300 - 6,500 / JPY 570,000 - 1,140,000

Sold: CHF 4,500

A fine and rare, 18k yellow gold and enamel open-face, keyless winding pocket watch. Presentation watch with the back of the watch depicts an enameled portrait of Mohamed el-Amine Bey in ornate uniform with numerous official decorations. Silver dial, Arabic numerals with subsidiary seconds at 6.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Brand Unsigned, Switzerland

Model Mohamed el-Amine Bey , "Le Bey"

Year 1953

Diameter 47 mm.

Caliber 37 mm., rhodium-plated, 16 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet blued steel balance-spring, index regulator with swan-neck spring and micrometric screw.

Weight 60 gr.

Signature dial

Biography

At his birth on September 4, 1881, this prince was named Mohamed el-Amine ben el-Habib el-Husseini. He was the last ruler of the Husseinite dynasty, of Janissary origin, which had ruled Tunisia since 1705.
Following the deposition of his uncle Moncef Bey, he was enthroned on May 15, 1943, during the last era of the French Protectorate.
His official title was: Possessor of the Regency of Tunis.
He reigned until July 25, 1957, the date of the declaration of the Tunisian Republic. In the three years that followed (1955-1957), although still monarch, Lamine Bey was only marginally involved in the negotiations to prepare for independence. When the Tunisian Republic was declared on July 25, 1957, the monarchy was abolished. The sovereign family was transferred to the old Manouba Palace and then, for health reasons, to a small villa in La Soukra (October 1958), under a strict regime of house arrest.

After the release of his son Chedly from Kairouan prison, father and son moved into a two-room apartment on Rue Fénelon, where the last Bey of Tunisia died on September 30, 1962, amidst general indifference.