Lot 155
  • 155

Swiss

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 CHF
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Description

  • AN EXCEPTIONAL GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL SET WATCH MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET CIRCA 1800
  • diameter 60 mm
• polished and blued-steel duplex movement, three arm balance with regulator, glazed cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, blued steel hands, subsidiary seconds • case back with fine enamel plaque, scalloped bezels decorated with split pearls against translucent red enamel and mauve enamel band, stem and bow with dark blue and mauve enamel set with pearls • with key

Condition

The movement will run for a short time and then stops. Enamel dial is in good condition. Enamel plaque to case back with small chip situated at the bottom on the left hand side but otherwise in very good condition. Small area of damage to the mauve enamel to the rear of the stem and bow. Overall this watch is an exceptionally fine piece.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The Emperor of China and his court were as fascinated by European mechanical novelties and decorative watches as Europe was by Chinese works of art. By 1800, a pattern of Oriental market watches emerged with duplex or cylinder escapements, clearly visible centre seconds hand, the movements chased throughout with flowers and geometric ornament (le calibre chinois). The quality of the fine enamel mediallions were of great importance to these highly decorative pieces, examples of their work can be seen in many of the world's foremost collections, including the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Musée d'Horlogerie. Unfortunately we have not been able to attribute an artist to this extraordinarily beautiful enamel scene as the details of the figure are like no other known enamel painter.