Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 13, 2012

LOT 97

VACHERON & CONSTANTIN, THE LACEMAKER, SIGNED ENAMEL BY CHARLES POLUZZI Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 481004, case No. 312705, the enamel by Charles Poluzzi. Made circa 1960. Extremely fine and unique, 18K yellow gold and painted on enamel keyless dress watch. Accompanied by the original fitted box.

CHF 10,000 - 20,000

USD 11,000 - 22,000 / EUR 8,500 - 17,000

Sold: CHF 206,500

C. Three-body, "bassine", the back with fi nely painted on enamel in the 17th century Dutch manner of a lacemaker in an interior with a baby in a cradle by her side, polished border and band, brushed bezel. D. Brushed silver with applied yellow gold faceted dart indexes and Arabic quarter hours, outer minute divisions, subsidiary seconds. Yellow gold bâton hands. M. Cal.439/6C, rhodium plated, fausses côtes decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted to temperatures, blued steel Breguet balance-spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 46 mm. Property of a Japanese Collector


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 1

As new
Movement: 2*

Very good

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

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Watches such as this, with very fi nely painted on enamel scenes executed by Geneva?s master enamelers were always unique pieces made in only one example. Carlo (Charles) Poluzzi (1899-1978) Born in Seveso, Italy, he moved to Geneva with his family as a child. He specialized in painted on enamel portraits and landscapes, in the style of works from earlier periods. In 1914, Poluzzi became an apprentice at the ?Fabrique d?émaux de Genève?, while also pursuing studies at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. He obtained his diploma in 1918 and became a ?chef d?atelier? during the next several years. In 1921, Poluzzi became naturalized, settled in Carouge, and set up his own workshop. Little by little, he became one of Geneva?s most respected enamel painters, working for all the important watch fi rms and painting the portraits of many important and infl uential people. He did some of his most noteworthy work for Rolex.