Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Nov 27, 2016
VACHERON & CONSTANTIN "THE COCKATIEL CLOCK" BLACK ONYX JADE AND GOLD Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, "Astral", movement No. 389150, delivered in 1926, elaborate case by Verger Frères, No. 9497. Retailed by Linzeler & Marchak, Paris. Exceptional Chinoiserie, gold, black onyx, rhodochrosite, mother-of-pearl, jade, and lacquer rose-cut diamond-set eight-day going desk clock.
Rhodochrosite carving of a cockatiel perched atop a branch on the black laquered silver-gilt clock case with engraved mother of pearl and gold inlay, with hinged door to the reverse, the front with applied rose-cut diamond set platinum radial Roman numerals, on turned rhodochrosite balls upon black onyx base raised on gold bracket feet. Carved and pierced jade dragon on a gilt background. Black enameled gold Oriental hands. Rectangular, 47 x 38 mm. frosted gilt, 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement with five adjustments, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with Breguet balance spring. Movement signed, case door frame signed by Verger and by the retailer.