Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Hong Kong, Hotel Furama Kempinski, Jun 09, 1997

LOT 400

Bovet, London, No. 266, Swiss, made for the Chinese Market, circa 1824. "The Shakespearian Tragedy" Very fine 18K gold and enamel pearl-set watch, with matching stand.

HKD 250,000 - 270,000

USD 32,000 - 36,000

Sold: HKD 299,000

C. Four body, Empire with split-pearl set bezels and pendant, the band and bow of red translucent enamel over engine-turning with split-pearl inlaid decoration, the back enamel panel finely painted with a scene of a Shakespearian Tragedy (slightly restored). Hinged gold engine-turned cuvette. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds. Gold "spade" hands. M. Gilt brass fully engraved with foliage decoration, free standing barrel, single wheel duplex escapement, plain polished steel five-arm balance, flat balance spring with regulator, diamond end-stone. Signed on the movement. In very good condition. Diam. 58 mm.


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Notes

"The Shakespearian Tragedy" Although their movements were generally produced in Fleurier (Val de Travers), Switzerland, these top quality watches, made for the Chinese Market during the first quarter of the 19th century, were decorated in Geneva by the best craftsmen of the time. Enamel painters such as Richter and Dupont used to find their inspiration in the work of old master painters such as Van der Myn (1684-174 I ), Giovanni Batista Cipriani (I 727-1785), John Francis Rigaud (1742-1820), John 1-loffner (1748-1810, Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1815 and William Hamilton) . The enamel back of each single case is in itself a true master piece of miniature painting featuring seaside landscapes, naval battles, mythological and allegorical scenes evoking love, such as "The rapt of Helen by Paris" taken from the engraving by Guido Reni (1575-1642), children at play, and illustrations of Shakespearian Tragedies.