H. Rabels, Rotterdam

A gold and enamel single cased verge watch with earlier enamel scene of Isaac and Rebecca Circa 1760 and earlier

No reserve

No Reserves

Lot Closed

February 10, 03:16 PM GMT

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Property from the Masterworks of Time Collection

H. Rabels, Rotterdam

A gold and enamel single cased verge watch with earlier enamel scene of Isaac and Rebecca

Circa 1760 and earlier

• Movement: gilded, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge, polished steel end-cap, silver regulation plate, turned baluster pillars, fusee and chain, signed H. Rabels, Rotterdam

• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, filigree hands, aperture for winding

• Case: gold, the back with earlier polychrome enamel painted panel depicting Isaac and Rebecca with camels and a further figure behind, the bezels with repeated oval motifs surrounded by scrolling green gold foliage, chased and engraved ribbon beneath the pendant, inside back with polychrome enamel painted scene of a river with a castle in the distance, laterFrench import marks to pendant

diameter 48m

Enamel watches of the 17th century with cases painted to all surfaces, including the band, were highly susceptible to damage from the slightest blow. However, appreciation for the beauty and quailty of enamel painted scenes meant that it was not unusual for older enamel panels to be removed from damaged watch cases, the broken parts cut away and the remaining panels set into a later case that was then fitted with a new movement. The present watch's enamel panel is typical of 17th Century French enamel painting.