Jean & Pierre Bellin

• With quartz movement, the clock of almond shaped form cased in gold and rose quartz, decorated with diamonds and rubies • the dial of translucent Royal blue enamel, gold and diamond set quarter hour numerals, diamond set centrefield • the clock resting in a busting floral spray of multicolored agate, tourmaline and lapis lazuli flowers, each flower set with either diamonds, sapphires, oval yellow sapphires, each flowers exquisitely carved, the whole magnificent display blooming from a waisted rock crystal base, set within a case of gold, diamond, ruby and mother-of-pearl, enamel border near the base, the whole scene surmounted on a circular nephrite and gold base

Visually the clock looks in excellent overall condition. A highly impressive presentation piece and most imposing. Its height of 43 cm giving it great stature. This is only the 5th time a clock by Jean & Pierre Bellin has come to public auction. Overall the flowers are all present and stone setting is complete. On the lower half of the clock, 2 gold prongs resting on the rock crystal case are loose, but intact. Enamel is in good condition throughout. Quartz movement is intact but will require a new battery.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a presentation case.

Total weight of clock is 8.76 kg.
Total weight of diamonds is approximately 43.33 carats.
Total weight of sapphires is approximately 55.39 carats.
Total weight of rubies is approximately 91.87 carats.
Total weight of gold is approximately 2.44 kg.

The highly imaginative and artistic creations of  jewellery by Jean and Pierre Bellin can be found in many important and scholarly collections around the world.  Perhaps more renown abroad than at home, Jean & Pierre Bellin created exquisite jewels which were symbolic of French boutique jewellery. Their name is revered especially in the Middle East and Asia and in order to purchase and own one of their creations clients had to be put on a waiting list for extensive periods of time.
Jean & Pierre were part of the very exclusive and secretive world of High-end jewellery and they were the fourth generation to continue the family business which was formed at the beginning of the 20^th century and were trained by both their father and grand-father.  After several years working as jewellers for Cartier they decided to open their first own atelier on 16 rue de la Grange-Batelière in Paris. Their exceptional imagination and technical skills permitted them to expand their business very quickly and open an additional new workshop on 62 rue Lafayette, one of the biggest workshops in the French capital. 
At the time of their production they were known in the high end jewellery market as being particularly gifted at creating the most impossible and challenging designs and despite being one of the most successful independent jewellers in France, Jean and Pierre Bellin found the large majority of their revenues  came from abroad.  Their unique and colourful style using stones such as Emerald and rock crystal, which are difficult to cut, meant they were always up to date with the French Haute Couture.  Jean & Pierre Bellin’s main inspiration was the Art Deco style which employed the use of geometric forms, but they also were admired for their flowing and more elaborate style of Baroque art. 
This magnificent flower vase clock is one of the last pieces made by Jean & Pierre Bellin and carries out all a lifetime of expertise and technique. Each flower is meticulously hand-crafted and it has taken them several hours to every single one. Their incredible talent and skills made their atelier remains the best of its kind and make this unique piece a truly contemporary and collectable item.