Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Noga Hilton, Oct 16, 2005

LOT 78

?Antony and Cleopatra? Vacheron et Constantin, Genève, the enamel signed NP. Made circa 1980. Very fine and rare, 18K brushed yellow gold and cloisonné enamel table snuff-box. To be sold without reserve.

CHF 6,000 - 8,000

EUR 4,000 - 5,000 / USD 5,000 - 6,500

Sold: CHF 8,970

C. Two-body, rectangular, brushed, lid and base with overhanging edges, concealed hinge, the lid set with a polychrome cloisonné enamel panel depicting an amorous soldier and a lady in a blue and yellow striped tent upon a leopard-skin rug, his armour at their feet. Box signed Vacheron et Constantin, enamel signed NP. Dim. 79 x 58 x 26 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized

Notes

Lots 79 and 80 are examples of the only self-winding pocket watch made by Gübelin. The watch was produced in only three examples. The watch?s striking cloisonné enamel decoration is based on astrological symbolism and themes. The dial features the planet Saturn, which governs the sun sign Capricorn. It is surrounded by six blue stars and a fiery golden ring that is reminiscent of the sun?s heat and energy. The decoration of the back makes reference to the creation of the astrological chart determining the position of the stars at the precise moment of an individual?s birth. It also features the planet Earth, with the continents of Europe and Africa, surrounded by two curved bands on which are depicted the twelve astrological sun signs, the whole being disposed so as to resemble an open eye. The watches thus evoke the eternal themes of destiny and fate, while the planet Saturn symbolizes fortitude, discipline, strength; and the effects of the passage of time. E. Pfleghard of Zürich (c. 1900 ? c. 1975) was one of the most remarkable enamel artists working for Gübelin et the time of the watch?s creation. We are indebted to Monsieur Frank Lottenbach of Gübelin for providing us with details of the watch.