Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Geneva, May 13, 2012
LOT 31
GREGSON - L?AMITIE Gregson A Paris. Made circa 1795. Very fine and elegant, thin, 18K gold, painted on enamel, diamond and pearl-set pocket watch.
CHF 18,000 - 28,000
USD 20,000 - 30,000 / EUR 15,000 - 23,000
C. Two-body, 'Directoire', the back fi nely painted with a classically dressed couple in a landscape by a fl aming urn, white enamel and gold paillon swag below with applied silver and rose-cut diamond-set ?L?Amitie?, translucent royal blue enamel background, bezels set with pearls within white enamel borders, concealed hinge. D. White enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions, with fi fteen minute Arabic numerals. Pierced gold hands. M. 41 mm., hinged, gilt brass 3/4 plate, integrated ring on the dial plate which makes the movement thin while also protecting it from dust, fusee and chain for the going train, verge escapement, three-arm brass balance, blued-steel balance spring, two-footed continental cock pierced and engraved with six symmetrical tulips. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 53 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 2-75 |
Very good ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Slightly restored soft enamel |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Notes
The present watch is a particularly fi ne example of the granulation technique of decoration, and has been preserved in good condition. Granulation, a technique using tiny beads of gold, was employed - and probably invented - by the ancient Etruscans, who created jewelry which was highly sought-after throughout the Mediterranean. Most watches using this method employed a technique in which ready-to-apply gold beads were soldered onto the surface, thereby forming the desired pattern.