Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 10, 2015

LOT 160

MOSER & CIE CHINESE MARKET WATCH "APOLLO'S EMBRACE" GOLD & ENAMEL Henri Moser & Cie, (Geneva), No. 46226, the enamel attributed to Jean- François-Victor Dupont (1785-1863). Made for the Chinese market, circa 1820. Extremely fine and extremely rare, center-seconds, 18K gold, champlevé and painted on enamel pocket watch with duplex escapement.

CHF 35,000 - 55,000

HKD 285,000 - 440,000 / USD 36,000 - 57,000

Sold: CHF 47,500

Two-body, Empire, the bezel decorated with translucent Royal blue enamel lappets, pale green enamel and engraved gold pattern between, pendant and bow similarly decorated, the hinged and sprung back cover set with a very finely painted on enamel scene of Apollo embracing his lover in a classical interior, his lyre over his shoulder, outer border decorated to match the bezel. Hinged and sprung gold cuvette fixed to the movement ring. White enamel with radial narrow Roman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions with Arabic 15-minute numerals. Blued steel ovoid hands. 47 mm., entirely foliate engraved gilt Chinese caliber, standing barrel, jeweled to the center wheel, duplex escapement, three-arm balance with blued steel wings, flat balance spring, index regulator.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-24

Very good

Slightly chipped
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-71-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines

HANDS Original

Notes

Dial and movement signed, case numbered. DIAM. 53 mm. Jean -Francois -Victor Dupont (1785-1863), probably the finest painter on enamel of his time, working in Geneva. His work included portraits of distinguished figures (King George IV, Henry VI etc.) as well as boxes and particularly watches destined for the Chinese Market. For the latter, he cooperated frequently with Ilbery as well as Piguet & Meylan. A particular feature of his work was his ability to paint a group of figures posed in the same plane without giving an impression of overcrowding. His distinctive palette may well derive from the fact that he mixed his own colours. The very finely painted on enamel panel set into the present watch is beautifully rendered, the figures having the three-dimensional quality and perspective associated with the work of Dupont. Although the enamel is unsigned, very few artists were capable of producing work of this tonal quality.