Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 10, 2015

LOT 234

RARE LOUIS XVI GOLD & DIAMOND THREE-DIAL MINIATURE LANTERN FORM WATCH Swiss, probably Geneva. Made circa 1780. Very fine and extremely rare, varicoloured gold and rose-cut diamond-set form watch designed as a lantern with three dials.

CHF 12,000 - 18,000

HKD 97,000 - 146,000 / USD 12,500 - 19,000

Sold: CHF 15,000

Three-body, top cover with small winding aperture revealed by pulling a lever at the side, top and bottom covers hinged, decorated with applied varicoloured leaves and flowers, swivel pendant set with a large rose-cut diamond, bow set with further rose-cut diamonds. Three identical dials of convex white enamel with radial Roman chapters and outer Arabic five-minute numerals. Gold arrow hands. 27 mm., gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass balance, continental clock pierced and engraved with four rocailles, mounted under the top cover, motion work driven by a contrate wheel mounted on the extension of the centre wheel that meshes with three wheels, each driving motion works of the individual dials.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines

HANDS Original

Notes

DIM. 40 x 28 mm. Lantern form watches are usually found with three dials for time, day and date; three time only dials is very rare. Three time zone dials would appear to be irrelevant in the 18th century, however, it should be remembered that clocks were set by the sun, and the time therefore differed from town to town. Apart from any practical use, these pieces were meant as expensive novelties or "toys" to delight the owner with their ingenuity and charm. A very similar watch but without diamonds from the Sandberg watch collection was sold by Antiquorum, Geneva, March 31st, 2001, lot 26.