Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 60

Robert Allan, London, No. 396, made for the Imperial Chinese Court, circa 1760. Exceptionally rare and fine gem-set, agate and 22 ct. gold-mounted necessaire cabinet with inset watch.

CHF 220,000 - 260,000

C. Rectangular with double pagoda top, the sides top, back and front door set with panels of grey striated agate overlaid with gold repousé silverwork decorated with flowers and foliage, and applied with ruby, diamond and emerald set motifs, pendant single stones to the corners, the hinged key-secured door with mirror on the inside and revealing a red velvet lined compartment with two gold cagework mounted scet flasks, a gold cup (makees mark AN), a single gold drawer with chinoiserie-style decoration containing ink and powder boxes, with matching twin compartment drawer below. D. White enamel with Roman and Arabic numerals, winding aperture at 10 o'clock and pierced gold hands. M. Gilt brass, full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chair, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance with flat spring and regulator. Gilt brass English cock. Signed on the movement. In excellent condition with fitted leather case by Bulgari. Dim: 21 x 9 x 6,5 cm


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Notes

Provenance: Previously Bulgari Collection, Rome. Note: Although clocks and objects of this exceptional quality are usually attributed to, or signed by, James Cox, other English makers produced equally fine examples for the lucrative Chinese Market. Certainly nobody achieved higher standards than those displayed in the workmanship lavished upon this piece, and it is interesting to note that the only metal used throughout is gold in contrast to the more usual practise of lining drawers etc... with gilt brass. The precious stones are particularly choice, being carefully matched and clean for the period. Fancy green, blue, yellow and pink diamonds are used along with emeralds and rubies. Quantifies and approximate weights are as follows: Diamonds: 374 stones, approx. 31 cts. Rubies: 109 stones, approx. 13.8 cts Emeralds: 125 stones, approx. 9.1 cts. London, apprenticed 1730, Clockmakers' Company 1742-1765. A maker of considerable ability, his watches are frequently mounted in fine gold and hardstone cases.