Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Oct 23, 2011

LOT 368

WATCH THE MONGOLFIERE Swiss, made for the French market to promote Montgolfier Brothers first public manned balloon flights. Made circa 1783. Very fine and rare, gold, pearl and enamel pocket watch with painted enamel scene of early public manned balloon flights to the reverse.

HKD 95,000 - 140,000

USD 12,000 - 18,000 / EUR 9,000 - 13,000

C. Two-body, solid, hinged bezel, twisted rope-inspired blue enamel and pearl-set outer edge, green and white enamel wreath bezel repeated to the reverse with central village scene of a manned red and white hot air balloon with spectators below, the central plaque reads ?Montre a la Mongolfi er? D. White enamel radial Roman numerals with outer Arabic numerals, winding aperture. Gold beetle and poker hands. M. Gilt full-plate, turned pillars, fusee barrel, verge escapement, pierced and engraved continental cock with brass capped polished steel end-piece, gilt three arm balance, fl at hairspring, silver regulator dial. Diam. 42 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-25

Good

Chipped
Movement: 3**

Good

Repair required, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Conceived by the Montgolfi er brothers in 1782, early unmanned balloon fl ights attracted such crowds the brothers were able to charge an admission fee to watch. With continued improved balloons launched, they were able to promote such a spectacle as manned balloon fl ight in 1783, the event was such a success commemorative objects such as clocks, watches and plates were made to celebrate and promote future attendance. Very few of these items have survived and this is the fi rst time Antiquorum has offered a commemorative watch of the 1783 manned balloon fl ight for sale.