The auction process

converted to HKD using the exchange rate on the day of the sale.

TELEPHONE BIDS

You may also participate in Antiquorum auctions by telephone. This service is free of charge and telephone bids will be executed by an Antiquorum staff member in the saleroom. All telephone bids must be confirmed in writing on a completed bid form.

Please provide the telephone number(s) at which you can be reached during the sale.

Bid forms should be completed and signed, then fax to Antiquorum at fax. +852 2522 4138 or emailed to bids@antiquorum.swiss at the latest the day before the auction.

Antiquorum cannot be held responsible for errors, ommissions or late arriving telephone bids.

CLIENTS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TELEPHONE BIDS AT LEAST TWO DAYS BEFORE THE SALE.

Antiquorum staff member will call you during the auction approximately 3 to 10 lots before the lot(s) on which you wish to bid. Language assistance for telephone bidding is available in English, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese.

Please note that all bid cancellations must be received in writing.

ONLINE BIDDER REGISTRATION

ONLINE INTERACTIVE AND ABSENTEE BIDDING

Antiquorum’s fully secure online interactive bidding system allows prospective buyers to place interactive bids and absentee bids directly through www. antiquorum.swiss for all traditional auctions worldwide. especially designed to offer the suspense and excitement of a traditional auction room, Antiquorum’s online interactive bidding system allows buyers worldwide to bid as safely and comfortably as if they were in the saleroom.

THE SYSTEM OFFERS MANY FEATURES TO FACILITATE THE ONLINE BIDDING PROCESS:

• The lot number with its image and description.

• Bid history for all previous bids on the current lot buyers are bidding upon.

• Access to a HELP LINE in the event of a connection failure.

SHIPPING & INSURANCE

Winning lots (watches only) are available for pick up at our Hong Kong office for buyers having selected the collect point Hong Kong.

All others will be shipped directly to their location as per buyer’s instructions.

Please note that buyers are responsible for all shipping fees and any other applicable fees including value added tax, custom duties etc… for importation to their respective countries.

1% of the hammer price plus premium will be charged to cover the insurance liability, as according to law once the hammer falls the buyer is responsible for the insurance of the lot.

Please note Antiquorum is not responsible for shipping clocks, furnitures, voluminous and/or fragile items. Our shipping department will assist you in choosing a third party crating service.

拍賣過程

作人員在拍賣場內進行。
所有電話競投必須在填妥的競投表格上以書面
形式確認。
請提供在銷拍賣期間可以聯絡到閣下的電話號
碼。

建議客戶至少在拍賣前
兩天安排電話競投。

填妥並經簽署的競投表格，最遲須在拍賣前一
天，傳真至安帝古倫 +852 2522 4138 或電郵
至 bids@antiquorum.swiss。
安帝古倫不對錯誤、遺漏或遲到的電話競投承
擔責任。

安帝古倫的職員，將在閣下想要競投的拍賣品
約3至10項拍賣品竸拍時，致電閣下。電話競
投支援語言包括英語、法語、德語、意大利
語、普通話、粵語和日語。
請注意，所有取消競投必須以書面形式提交。

網上競投登記

網上互動和書面競投
安帝古倫全面而安全的網上互動競投系統允許
意向買家直接通過 www.antiquorum.swiss，
參與全球所有傳統拍賣場次，進行互動競投和
書面競投。該競投系統專為提供傳統拍賣場的
緊張和刺激而設計，讓世界各地的買家能夠像
置身拍賣現場一樣，安全、舒適地競投。

該系統提供多項功能，使網上競投過程更便
利：

• 展示拍賣品編號及其圖片和描述。

• 競投當前拍賣品的買家的所有過往出價記
錄。

• 一旦連線因故中斷，將提供電話協助熱線。

運輸和保險
選擇香港為提貨地點的買家，可在本公司的香
港辦事處領取投得的拍賣品（僅限手錶）。
所有其他拍賣品將根據買家的指示，直接運送
到其所在地。
請注意，買家須負責支付進口到其各自的國家
所有運費和任何其他適用費用，包括增值稅及
關稅等。
本行將收取落槌價連佣金的1%以涵蓋保險責
任，皆因根據法律規定，當落槌後，買方就有
責任為拍賣品承擔保險。
請注意，安帝古倫不負責運送鐘錶、家具、大
件和/或易碎物品。本公司的運輸部門將協助
閣下選擇第三方裝箱服務。

Celebrating 50 Years of excellence 2024 Achievements

2024 marked a monumental year for Antiquorum, as we celebrated our golden jubilee—50 years of leading the global watch auction market. Since our establishment, we have not only been a trusted arbiter of value but also a dynamic force shaping the horological world. Amidst market evolutions and the rediscovery of timeless treasures, Antiquorum’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, elegance, and a commitment to excellence.

A Market Redefined: Resilience and Emerging Trends

Since the market downturn in 2022, the watch industry has experienced a profound transformation. As is often the case in times of crisis, collectors and investors have refocused their attention on secure, high-value investments—watches that boast enduring design, robust craftsmanship, and long-term appeal. At the same time, there has been a noticeable shift toward distinctive, boldly shaped timepieces that deviate from traditional designs, reflecting a growing desire for individuality. The most exciting development is the emergence of a new generation of buyers—young, grounded individuals who are less inclined to engage in speculative bubbles and more focused on authenticity and lasting value. Their expectations have become clearer than ever: they seek watches that are not only durable and in excellent condition but also stand out, offering a perfect balance of timeless elegance and personal distinction.

Back to Vintage

Vintage watches experienced a remarkable resurgence.

Rare and historic models like the Rolex Zerographe Ref. 3890 sold significantly above their high estimate, here at 212.500 CHF. There is no denying that the Rolex Zerographe (also known with an observatory dial as the Centregraph) has remained one of the biggest mystery and one of the most important watches made by the firm. Featuring a fly-back second that is reset by the pusher at 2 o clock, it is the first known Rolex featuring this complication and was only available in steel.

The iconic fresh to the market Patek Philippe Ref. 1463, celebrated for its technical brilliance, drew enthusiastic bidding. Meanwhile, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Ref. 6241 reached an impressive hammer price, highlighting the enduring allure of craftsmanship from a bygone era. Made mostly for the US market, the 6241 was only produced for a period of three years featuring pump pushers and the iconic black bezel. Scholars estimate that in total about 2250 pieces were produced but 14k versions represent approximately only 400 pieces. Versions fitted with a Paul Newman dial probably represent about 10 percent meaning about only 50 pieces were ever produced which explains itw as hammered at 200’000 CHF.

Similarly, the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263, valued for its blending of classic design with functional elegance, achieved results that exceeded expectations, underscoring its status as a collector’s favorite.

Elegance Beyond Time: A Focus on Provenance and Design

True elegance lies in the ability to transcend fleeting trends, and Antiquorum has consistently curated timepieces that stand as hallmarks of this principle. A striking example is the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary Ref. 2200A, whose historical significance and engineering precision pay homage to the origins of professional diving watches. This piece performed exceptionally well at auction, sold at 107.584 EUR (twicer than the high estimate), reinforcing its status as a milestone in horological history. Former property of Bob Maloubier himslef, this watch was part of the watchmaking and human history.

Talking about provenance, equally captivating, the Vacheron Constantin former property of Jerry Lewis (March 16, 1926 – August 20, 2017) fetched a strong result, with collectors valuing the legacy of the manufacture and of “The King of Comedy ».

Cartier: The Rising Star

Antiquorum’s relationship with the maison dates back to 1996 with the landmark auction, The Magical Art of Cartier, cementing Cartier’s place in horological history. Today, collectors are drawn to Cartier for its perfect amalgamation of history, artistry, and timeless design.

Cartier’s revival in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal, driven by a renewed appreciation for its unique blend of historical significance, artisanal craftsmanship, and timeless design. Key milestones in this resurgence include the strong performance of iconic models like the Cartier Bamboo Jumbo, which achieved five time its high estimate at 50.000 CHF, in November 2023, surpassing a world record at the time.

Technical Brilliance and Artistic Craftsmanship

Antiquorum has always celebrated technical milestones and artistic craftsmanship, distinguishing itself from other auction houses through a meticulous focus on provenance, detailed scholarship, and a dedication to educating the collector community.

Know-How in Movements: Pioneering World Time

The extraordinary creations of Louis Cottier’s  (1894 – 1966) world-time watches system invented in 1935, such as the Patek Philippe Ref. 2523, reached impressive hammer prices, with one example selling for CHF 1,910,000, well above its low estimate. Similarly, the Patek Philippe Ref. 605 HU Cloisonné,  unknown, fresh to the market example, the first example known to the market featuring an enamel cloisonné dial representing the world in pink gold, a historcal piece celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistry, achieved CHF 3,050,000. These groundbreaking designs, which announced the modern concept of world time, remain unmatched in their combination of technical precision and aesthetic appeal.

On a more contemporary note, two exceptional timepieces from F.P. Journe and Richard Mille have undoubtedly captured the attention of watch enthusiasts. The F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Ref. T in platinum and the Richard Mille REF. UP-01 Ferrari, an ultra-thin limited edition of just 150 pieces, crafted in titanium, are truly remarkable watches that cannot go unnoticed.

The Tourbillon Souverain holds a special place in F.P. Journe’s legacy. Apart from the first 20 “Souscription” Tourbillons produced by Mr. Journe, the Tourbillon Souverain was his first commercially available model, debuting at Basel in 1999. It was equipped with the renowned remontoir d’égalité mechanism. Produced until 2003, when it was succeeded by the updated version, the “Remontoir d’Egalité avec Secondes Mortes,” this early example, dating from 2001, is the 91st watch ever made. Originally purchased by a Swiss collector, the piece has been meticulously maintained in excellent condition, with crisp hallmarks still visible. It is also fitted with the highly coveted yellow dial, a feature preferred by collectors worldwide. This exceptional example was sold for CHF 475,000 in the Geneva May auction, a testament to its enduring appeal and rarity.

Enamel Work: Artistry at Its Peak

Antiquorum’s offerings of enamel masterpieces underscored the art’s enduring allure. The Patek Philippe Nymphenburg Porcelain Ref. 1660M achieved remarkable results, showcasing the intricate beauty of hand-painted designs. Similarly, the Patek Philippe Ref. 866-71 “La Calèche”, featuring enamel work by Suzanne Rohr, demonstrated the pinnacle of métier d’art craftsmanship, blending technical expertise with artistic expression.

Following the two recent world records set by Antiquorum for Suzanne Rohr pocket watches—Romanshorn by J.J. Wetzel (November 5, 2023, Lot 365) and Woman with a Water Jug by Vermeer (May 7, 2022, Lot 200)—we were thrilled to present another remarkable, previously undiscovered masterpiece by the renowned enameller Suzanne Rohr. This piece was consigned by the original family who had preserved it in their safe for the past 30 years, as evidenced by the pristine and crisp hallmark on the bow, as well as the gold case that has developed a warm patina from years of untouched preservation.

The enamel scene depicts a horse-drawn carriage with two ladies and three gentlemen, inspired by the original painting La Calèche by Horace Vernet (circa 1814). Suzanne Rohr’s extraordinary skill is on full display, capturing the essence of an afternoon sky with exquisite detail, from the foliage and the spokes of the wheels to the horses’ flowing manes and the intricate reins. It is worth noting that while Mrs. Rohr often created works inspired by the same artist, this is the only known pocket watch featuring an enamel scene inspired by Vernet’s work. The bidding soared to an impressive CHF 268,750, a fitting tribute to the piece’s rarity and artistic value.

2024 and Beyond: A Legacy of Excellence

As we reflect on five decades of achievements, Antiquorum remains steadfast in its mission to curate, preserve, and celebrate the finest timepieces the world has to offer. From vintage treasures to groundbreaking innovations, our legacy is one of passion, precision, and an enduring commitment to the art of watchmaking. Here’s to the next 50 years of defining and refining the horological world.

The auction process

The auction process is not as daunting as you may think, especially if you have selected Antiquorum as your auctioneer. antiquorum and its team of experts strive to help you, the client, buy and sell at auction with ease and confidence. To walk you through the process, Antiquorum has outlined the important steps you should know in order to successfully purchase or consign timepieces and jewelry at auction.

THE BUYER

Lot descriptions provide technical data carefully compiled by our experts for each lot in the sale and are often enhanced by historical or bio graphical comments.

• Estimates are listed at the end of each lot description and are an indication of the price range the lot is expected to fetch. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or sales tax.

• An estimate indicated by three stars ***, advises clients to contact Antiquorum for more information.

• Condition Reports are given for each lot in the catalogue based on a grading system developed by Antiquorum’s experts. This grading system is explained at the end of the auction catalogue.

• Buyers are advised to read the Conditions of Sale and Important Notices before bidding at auction.

The system offers many features to facilitate the online bidding process

Online bidder registration

On Antiquorum’s fully secure website, https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss, the following steps must be completed by prospective buyers

1. Create an account by providing the bidder’s name, address, telephone number, email address and a requested credit limit for online bidding. NOTE: First time bidders are required to provide a valid ID (passport, identity card or driver licence).
2. Register to the auction on https://live.antiquorum.swiss and complete the online form. In some cases, Antiquorum may impose a credit limit to the online applicant, in which case the amended credit limit will be communicated to the client upon receipt of the registration form.
3. Accept Antiquorum’s terms and conditions of sale.
   By clicking on “Confirm bid ” I accept the sale terms and conditions
4. Approved bidders will receive a confirmation email. Once the auction catalogue is available online, prospective buyers can register online to bid.
   For additional information about the online bidding system, terms and conditions of use and sale, please visit https://antiquorum.swiss.

Online bidding

Antiquorum’s fully secured online bidding system allows prospective buyers to place online bids directly through https://live.antiquorum.swiss for all traditional auctions and only online auction worldwide.

Features

•  The lot number with its image and description.
•  Auction items have a “Place Bid” button next to a box for entering bids and show a “current bid” price.
•  Lot items are opened to bids for a predetermined amount of time (countdown).
•  When time is up, the item is declared “sold” to the highest bidder.
•  If the maximum bid you entered is higher than the bids entered by anyone else so far, you become the new high bidder. The system bids on your behalf until you are outbid.
•  If your maximum bid is not the highest bid entered so far, the system registers your bid but continues to bid on behalf of the high bidder, automatically outbidding you by one bid increment.
•  The system continues to automatically bid on behalf of whoever is the highest bidder at the moment, up to and including their maximum, until the lot auction countdown runs out.
•  The system will automatically increase your bid by the bid increment, only if you have been outbid, until it reaches your MAXIMUM BID.

• If two bids are place with the same amount, the system will choose the winner based on the time the bids were placed. The first bidder will be the one winning. 

• Changing your bid: you may change your bid at anytime between the posting date and the closing date, but your bid cannot be deleted
• Once the bid is placed it cannot be cancelled.
• Antiquorum cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions in the online system.
• Lots in this sale are sold “as is” and cannot be cancelled or returned.

Please note that bid cancellation is not available on Only Online Auctions. All bid cancellation must be received in writing.

AUCTION PREVIEWS

Previews are not conducted by Antiquorum for Only Online Auctions.

CURRENCY CONVERSION

The auction is conducted in Swiss Francs.

The conversion rate is the fixed on the date of the auction.

Values Increments

from Chf 0 to 200 by Chf 10
from Chf 200 to 500 by Chf 50
from Chf 500 to 1,000 by Chf 100
from Chf 1,001 to 4,000 by Chf 200
from Chf 4,001 to 10,000 by Chf 500
from Chf 10,001 to 20,000 by Chf 1,000
from Chf 20,001 to 50,000 by Chf 2,000
from Chf 50,001 to 100,000 by Chf 5,000
from Chf 100,001 to 500,000 by Chf 10,000

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

When the auctioneer’s timer falls to 0s, the final bid has been reached and the system will reward the lot to the highest bidder. If your bids have been successful, you will be notified by means of an invoice sent by e-mail after the auction. You are also welcome to call Antiquorum the day after the auction to request the outcome of your bids.

LOTS SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

When the entire first part of the description is in red, this indicates that the lot is to be sold without reserve, as is also stated beneath or alongside the description.

SALES RESULT

Price lists are made available online at www. antiquorum.swiss approximately 24 hours after the end of each auction.

PAYMENT

Payment for purchased lots at any Antiquorum auction is due within 7 days of the sale date.

• For only online auctions, the buyer’s premium is: 26% of the hammer price on each lot up to and including CHF 1,000,000, 20% from CHF 1,000,001 to CHF 5,000,000 and 15% for all amounts in excess of CHF 5,000,001.

• Extended payment terms or special credit terms can be arranged on occasion, before the auction.

• For information regarding payment policies : please contact accounting department at Antiquorum Geneva, tel. +41 (0) 22 909 28 50.

PAYMENT METHODS

Payment may be submitted in cash, by wire transfer, check (restrictions apply) or credit card (restrictions apply).

• Wire transfer Please refer to the wire transfer instructions as shown on your customer invoice.

• Cash is limited to the equivalent of Chf 10,000.

• Credit cards : Major credit cards are accepted (additional charge) 2% service charge for MasterCard, Visa and American Express

• For buyers having paid by credit card, a shipping delay of 3 to 7 working days may apply in order to do additional controls.

ONLINE INTERACTIVE AND ABSENTEE BIDDING

Antiquorum’s fully secure online interactive bidding system allows prospective buyers to place interactive bids directly through the bidding platform https://live.antiquorum.swiss. Especially designed to offer the suspense and excitement of a traditional auction room.

For collection of lots purchased, the buyer will need to contact Antiquorum with instructions. Collection of purchased lots can only take place once the invoice has been paid in full. For more details, contact Antiquorum Geneva, tel. +41 (0) 22 909 28 50.

SHIPPING & INSURANCE

Winning lots (watches and jewelry only) are available for pick up at our Geneva office for buyers having selected the collect point Geneva and at our Hong Kong office for buyers having selected the collect point Hong Kong. All others will be shipped directly to their location as per buyer‘s instructions. Please note that buyers are responsible for all shipping fees and any other applicable fees including value added tax, customs duties etc… for importation to their respective countries. 1% of the hammer price plus premium will be charged to cover the insurance liability, as according to law once the hammer falls the buyer is responsible for the insurance of the lot.

Please note Antiquorum is not responsible for shipping clocks, furnitures, voluminous and/or fragile items.

Our shipping department will assist you in choosing a third party crating service.

Important notices

Statement of condition

Antiquorum provides descriptions of watches, clocks and jewelry and their condition in this catalogue as a service to prospective buyers. Any such description or condition are statements of opinion for general guidance and should not be treated as statements of fact. All lots are sold “AS IS” at the moment of “knock-down” and cannot be returned on the grounds that repairs have been made or parts supplied by anyone than the named makers. All watches and jewelry shall be viewed personally to evaluate their condition prior to the auction.

Although we endeavor to mention in our descriptions significant defects, needed repairs, absent stones and the like, we do not guarantee that the descriptions are comprehensive. Please note that descriptions may not specify all mechanical and technical defects, replacement of original parts, or authenticity of individual component parts (such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets, buckles, deployant clasps and leather bands since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted without Antiquorum’s knowledge.) Furthermore, we make no judgments as to whether diamond dials, diamond bezels, diamonds and precious stones originated at the factory or are later additions. We do not guarantee the accuracy or operation of any watch function such as timekeeping, chronograph, calendar, repeat or register. Buyers are advised that boxes, certificates or any other accessories are not available unless stated otherwise.

The dimensions given in the catalogue descriptions are overall tip-to-tip and most often include the lugs. Buyers of water-resistant and waterproof watches are strongly encouraged to have such watches inspected by a competent watchmaker of their choice upon purchase since these watches have been opened by the Antiquorum watch experts during cataloging. Watches and jewelry may not be taken apart whilst on view without consent of Antiquorum’s watch experts.

Antiquorum will accept requests for condition reports with additional photographs via email at geneva@antiquorum.swiss. To best accommodate any requests, please submit all inquiries no later than two days prior to the sale date. Kindly limit the number of requests to the lots of serious interest. Antiquorum shall have no responsibility for any error or omission in the condition reports and may not specify all mechanical and technical replacements, imperfections, repairs, restorations or the effects of aging in the movement, case or dial.

• Antiquorum Geneva now takes credit cards as payment for lots won at auction.

• 2% service charge for MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

• For buyers having paid by credit card, a shipping delay of 3 to 7 working days may apply in order to do additional controls.

Import / export, Restrictions taxes

Buyers are advised that Antiquorum will remove bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator, caiman, lizard, snake…) prior to shipping lots abroad. Buyers are responsible for compliance with any applicable export and import regulations. Moreover certain items made of tortoiseshell, ivory, coral may be subject to importation restrictions in certain countries.

Please consult your local customs authority for information on importing items made of these materials.

The Buyer is responsible for the payment of all applicable import and export duties and taxes related to the lots purchased.

Shipping and insurance

Winning lots (watches and jewelry only) will be available for pick up at our Geneva office for buyers having selected the collect point Geneva and at our Hong Kong office for buyers having selected the collect point Hong Kong. All others will be shipped directly to their location as per buyer‘s instructions. Please note that buyers are responsible for all shipping fees and any other applicable fees including value added tax, customs duties etc… for importation to their respective countries.

Extract from the archives 

If an official document issued by the manufacturer, such as an extract from the archives or a certificate of authenticity, is not provided with a watch, Antiquorum does not warrant that the case and movement are matching.

A non-matching case and movement does not question the authenticity of a watch. Please be advised that no cancellations will be accepted on this basis.

BUYER’S PREMIUM WATCHES AND JEWELS

In addition to the hammer price, the buyer’s premium is payable as follows: 26% of the hammer price on each lot up to and including CHF 1,000,000, 20% from CHF 1,000,001 to CHF 5,000,000 and 15% for all amounts in excess of CHF 5,000,001.

Conditions de vente / conditions of sale

Extrait des conditions de vente

• Les ordres d’achats sont traités au mieux des intérêts du client. ls doivent nous parvenir au plus tard la veille de la vente.

• Les frais d’adjudication sont de 26% hors taxes, ils sont rajoutés au prix d’adjudication pour chaque lot.

• Les acheteurs sont priés de payer leurs achats dans un délai maximal de 7 jours à compter du jour de la vente par virement, en espèces dans les limites légales suisses ou en carte Visa, MasterCard ou Amex moyennant des frais en sus.

• Les lots ne seront délivrés qu’après règlement complet de la facture. Les frais d’expéditions, incluant l’assurance, sont à la charge de l’acheteur.

• Aucune garantie n’est donnée sur l’état de fonctionnement des montres et pendules, y compris l’étanchéité des montres.

• Un rapport de condition peut vous être communiqué sur demande en amont de la vente aux enchères.

• Les conditions de ventes complètes sont en français à la fin de catalogue.

EXTRACT FROM THE CONDITIONS OF SALES

• Absentee bids are processed in the best interest of the client. They must arrive no later than the day before the auction.

• The buyer’s premium is 26% without taxes.

• Buyers are required to pay for their purchases within a maximum of 7 days from the day of the auction sale, either by wire transfer, by cash within Swiss legal limitations, or using a aster ard,Visa or Amex (extra fees).

• The lots will be delivered after full payment of the invoice. Shipping charges, including insurance, will be charged to the buyer.

• No guarantee is given on working order of watches and clocks, including the water-resistant for the watches.

• A condition report can be given on request before the auction.

• Definitive terms of sale are in french at the end of the catalogue.

General terms and conditions of sales

The auction is a public auction held by Antiquorum Genève SA (hereinafter “Antiquorum”) on behalf of the consignors of the lots being sold. A person’s participation in the auction and/or purchase of any lots constitutes an agreement to be bound by these Conditions of Sale as well as all rights and obligations arising therefrom.

The Important Notices contained in this catalogue are deemed to be a part of these Conditions of Sale and are hereby incorporated in their entirety into these Conditions of Sale. Except as amended by Antiquorum in its sole and absolute discretion by the posting of notices or oral announcement at the auction or otherwise, these Conditions of Sale together with the Important Notices and the other contents of this catalogue constitute a full recitation of the terms and conditions under which sales are conducted and may not be amended except in a writing acknowledged by Antiquorum.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by Antiquorum these Conditions of Sale shall apply to auction sales as well as all other sales made by Antiquorum. Antiquorum accepts no responsibility for and shall not be liable for any defaults by any Buyers or Consignors. The auction is held by a Huissier Judiciaire of the Canton of Geneva (hereinafter “the Auctioneer”).

The Auctioneer reads the essential clauses at the start of the auction. These Conditions of Sale are available on request. The French version of these Conditions of Sale is the authoritative and binding text.

LOTS OFFERED FOR SALE

Before the sale, all lots may be examined in the catalogue. All interested persons including, without limitation, bidder’s representatives and auction agents are understood to have examined all lots which they purchase and to accept them as they are at the moment of the end of the timer and not necessarily as described in any written material or oral communications. Those persons interested in purchasing any of the lots being sold shall be responsible for examining the lots personally to confirm their actual condition. All lots are sold “as is” according to their condition at the end of the timer. Buyer acknowledges that it is the responsibility of buyer to fully inspect each lot before bidding and hereby represents that the amounts bid for any lot are based solely on buyer’s own independent inspection and evaluation of that lot.

Antiquorum has included in the catalogue estimates of the value of the lots to be sold. Such estimates have been developed using such experts, tests and other methods as Antiquorum has deemed in its sole discretion to be appropriate under the circumstances. Antiquorum shall have no liability whatsoever relating to estimates of value attributed to the lots and all participants in the auction shall be responsible for reaching their own conclusions as to the value of the lots. Neither Antiquorum nor the consignor is responsible for any errors and omissions in the catalogue or any advertisements or other written material, it being understood that any description or statement therein does not constitute a warranty or representation and is provided for identification purposes only.

Unless specified in the catalogue, lots are subject to reserve price which is a confidential minimum amount the consignor is willing to accept. If the reserve price is not reached, the Auctioneer may withdraw the lot from the sale. Except for the limited warranty, contained in section 2 below, all lots are sold without any representations or warranties by Antiquorum or the consignor as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, rarity, importance, the correctness of the catalogue or other description concerning the author, maker, origin, period, age, attribution, authenticity, provenance, weight or condition of any object. No statement (whether oral or written, made in the catalogue, an advertisement, a bill of sale, posting, announcement or elsewhere) whether made by any employee or agent of Antiquorum shall be deemed to be a warranty, representation or assumption of liability. Neither Antiquorum nor the consignor have any responsibility whatsoever for any defect in or deterioration of any lot.

WATCHES AND CLOCKS

(i) Almost all clocks and watches are repaired in their lifetime and may include parts which are not original. We do not give a warranty that any individual component part of any watch or clock is authentic. Clocks may be sold without pendulums, weights or keys.

(ii) As collectors’ watches and clocks often have very fine and complex mechanisms, a general service, change of battery or further repair work may be necessary, for which you are responsible. We do not give a warranty that any watch or clock is in good working order. Certificates are not available unless described in the catalogue.

(iii) Most watches have been opened to find out the type and quality of movement. For that reason, watches with water resistant cases may not be waterproof and we recommend you have them checked by a competent watchmaker before use.

JEWELS

(i) Coloured gemstones (such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds….) may have been treated to improve their look, through methods such as heating and oiling. These methods are accepted by the international jewellery trade but may make the gemstone less strong and/or require special care over time.

(ii) All types of gemstones may have been improved by some method. We do not obtain a gemmological report for every gemstone sold in our auctions. Where we do get gemmological reports from internationally accepted gemmological laboratories, such reports will be described in the catalogue. Because of differences in approach and technology, laboratories may not agree whether a particular gemstone has been treated, the amount of treatment or whether treatment is permanent. The gemmological laboratories will only report on the improvements or treatments known to the laboratories at the date of the report.

(iii) For jewellery sales, estimates are based on the information in any gemmological report or, if no report is available, assume that the gemstones may have been treated or enhanced. Any lot sold at auction may be affected by laws on exports from the country in which it is sold and the import restrictions of other countries. Many countries require a declaration of export for property leaving the country and/or an import declaration on entry of property into the country. Local laws may prevent you from importing a lot or may prevent you selling a lot in the country you import it into. Be aware that gold of less than 18ct does not qualify in all countries as ‘gold’ and may be refused import into those countries as ‘gold’.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Except as otherwise provided in the paragraph immediately following, Antiquorum warrants that, upon the consummation of the sale of any lot under the terms and conditions contained in this catalogue, clear and unencumbered right, title and interest in and to such lot shall pass to the buyer. Antiquorum guarantees for a period of one (1) year from the date of sale that the authorship of each lot in this catalogue is as set out in the bold or capitalized type in the catalogue description of the lot. Antiquorum makes no warranties, whatsoever, whether express or implied, with respect to any, material in the catalogue other than that appearing in the bold or capitalized heading subject to the exclusions below. Antiquorum does not guaranty that all component parts of any timepiece are original to the timepiece.

If an official document issued by the manufacturer, such as an extract from the archives or a certificate of authenticity, is not provided with a watch, Antiquorum does not warrant that the case and movement are matching. A non-matching case and movement does not question the authenticity of a watch. Please be advised that no cancellations will be accepted on this basis.

The guarantee does not apply if the catalogue description was in accordance with the opinion of generally accepted experts and specialists at the date of the sale, or the catalogue description indicated that there was a conflict of such opinions. The guarantee is provided for a period of one (1) year from the date of the relevant auction, is solely for the benefit of the original purchaser of record and is not transferrable. In the event of any claim by the original purchaser regarding a bold or capitalized provision, said purchaser must

(i) notify Antiquorum in writing within 7 days of receiving any information that causes the original purchaser of record to question the accuracy of the bold or capitalized type heading, specifying the lot number, date of the auction at which it was purchased and reasons for such question: and

(ii) return the lot to Antiquorum at the original selling location in the same condition as at the date of sale to the original purchaser of record and be able to transfer good title to the lot, free from any third party claims arising after the date of such sale.

Antiquorum has discretion to waive any of the above requirements. It is specifically understood and agreed that the rescission of a sale and the refund of the original purchase price paid (the successful hammer price, plus the buyer’s premium) is exclusive and in lieu of any other remedy which might otherwise be available as a matter of law, or in equity. Antiquorum and the consignor shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages incurred or claimed, including without limitation, loss of profits or interest. Other than the limited warranty and guarantee provisions above, Antiquorum and the consignor make no representations, warranties or guarantees regarding the lots sold hereunder.

THE AUCTION

The purchase price payable by a buyer will be the sum of the final bid price plus the buyer’s premium, together with any applicable sales or compensating use tax. In addition to the hammer price, the buyer’s premium is payable as follows: 26% of the hammer price on each lot up to and including CHF 1,000,000, 20% from CHF 1,000,001 to CHF 5,000,000 and 15% from CHF 5,000,001. Antiquorum may in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time withdraw, group differently or divide any lot included for sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for the same. Antiquorum reserves the right to refuse any bids in its full and absolute discretion. In the event of any dispute between bidders, or any other issue with respect to the bidder, the Auctioneer will have absolute discretion to determine the successful bidder, to continue the bidding, to cancel the sale or to reoffer and resell the article in dispute. 

Bidding increases as follow :

Values Increments

from Chf 0 to 200 by Chf 10
from Chf 200 to 500 by Chf 50
from Chf 500 to 1,000 by Chf 100
from Chf 1,001 to 4,000 by Chf 200
from Chf 4,001 to 10,000 by Chf 500
from Chf 10,001 to 20,000 by Chf 1,000
from Chf 20,001 to 50,000 by Chf 2,000
from Chf 50,001 to 100,000 by Chf 5,000
from Chf 100,001 to 500,000 by Chf 10,000

PAYMENT

Title to the offered lot passes to the buyer upon the end of the timer, subject to compliance by the buyer with all other conditions of sale, including full payment as required hereunder. Buyer shall have no right to revoke acceptance of any lot after the end of the timer.

The buyer thereupon assumes full risk and responsibility for the lot. The buyer shall immediately pay the full purchase price, buyer’s commission and all applicable sales and other taxes in Swiss francs using a method of payment acceptable to auctioneer (including Swiss currency, bank wire). Lots are delivered to the buyer only upon the full payment of all such amounts. Shipping and packing arrangements and charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer. After payment has been made in full, Antiquorum may, as a service to the buyer, arrange to have the purchased lots packed, insured and shipped at the buyer’s request and expense. In this event, the buyer agrees that all said packaging, handling and shipping is at the sole risk of the buyer and that Antiquorum shall have no liability for any loss or damage to the purchased lots. Antiquorum may move the property to an off-site storage at the risk of the buyer. Buyer will be required to pay all applicable taxes, or fees levied by any authority (unless Antiquorum receives satisfactory proof of exemption, to be determined in Antiquorum’s sole discretion).

A 8,1% VAT is applicable to each sale. VAT will be entirely refunded upon receipt of an export declaration validated by the Swiss Federal Customs Administration. It is expressly agreed that consignor shall only receive payment for a lot provided Antiquorum has received full payment from buyer, including such lost commissions and administrative and handling charges.

REMEDIES, APPLICABLE LAWS AND JURISDICTION

To the extent that any other information or provision set forth in this catalogue is inconsistent with the Conditions of Sale, the Conditions of Sale shall be controlling. If the buyer fails to comply with any of these Conditions of Sale, Antiquorum may (in addition to asserting all remedies available by law),

(i) hold such defaulting buyer liable for the purchase price;

(ii) cancel the sale;

(iii) resell the property without reserve at public auction or privately on seven days’ notice to the buyer;

(iv) pay the consignor an amount equal to the net proceeds payable in respect of the amount bid by the defaulting buyer and then resell the property to a third party without reserve at public auction or privately on fifteen (15) days written notice to such buyer; or

(v) return the lot to the consignor, provided fortyfive (45) days have elapsed and no payment has been received from buyer; or

(vi) take such other action as Antiquorum deems necessary or appropriate. If Antiquorum resells the property pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv) above, the defaulting buyer shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency between the purchase price and the price obtained upon resale and all costs and expenses, including administration, handling, insurance, warehousing, the expenses of both sales, reasonable attorneys’ fees, commissions, incidental damages and all other charges due hereunder. In the event that such buyer pays a portion of the purchase price for any or all lots purchased, Antiquorum shall apply the payment received to such lot or lots as Antiquorum, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

Any buyer who fails to comply with these Conditions of Sale will be deemed to have granted Antiquorum a security interest in, and Antiquorum may retain as collateral security for such buyer’s obligation to it, any property in Antiquorum’s possession owned by such buyer. This security interest secures the principal amount of any such claim and also any outstanding or accruing interest, commissions, costs and all other fees as well as any and all damages suffered by Antiquorum. Antiquorum is entitled, but not obliged, to realize freely the security interests without further formalities and without previous notice to the buyer who is in default of payment on his debt or in the fulfilment of any other obligation hereunder. In any event, Antiquorum will be entitled to realise its security on a private treaty basis. For this purpose, Antiquorum is not bound to comply with the the formalities of the Federal Law dealing with actions for debt and bankruptcy proceedings ; in addition, Antiquorum may choose to institute or proceed with the usual proceedings witjout having beforehand sold the secured goods and without having moreover given up its rights to them.

Payment will not be deemed to have been made in full until Antiquorum has collected sufficient funds. In the event the buyer fails to pay any or all of the total purchase price for any lot and Antiquorum nonetheless elects to pay the consignor any portion of the sale proceeds, the buyer acknowledges that Antiquorum shall have all of the rights of the consignor to pursue the buyer for any amounts paid to the consignor, whether at law, in equity, or under these Conditions of Sale.

The buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy against Antiquorum and the consignor shall be the rescission of the sale and the refund of the original purchase price paid for the lot. This remedy shall be in lieu of any other remedy which might otherwise be available as a matter of law, and neither Antiquorum nor the consignor shall be liable, in whole or in part, for any special, incidental or consequential damages, including, without limitation, loss of profits.

By bidding at the auction, whether present in person or by agent, by absentee bid, telephone, internet, or other means, the buyer shall be deemed to have consented to the following: this agreement shall be interpreted and enforced according to Swiss law by the Courts of the Canton of Geneva and the buyer hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdictions of the Courts of Geneva, subject to appeal to the Swiss Federal Court, over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this agreement. The buyer hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The buyer agrees that a final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the buyer and may be enforced in any other courts to whose jurisdiction the buyer is or may be subject, by suit upon such judgment;

• No waiver, delay, modification or breach of any provision of this agreement by Antiquorum shall constitute a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

• If any part or provision of this agreement is, for any reason, adjudged unenforceable, such adjudication shall in no way affect any other part or provision of this agreement or the validity or enforcement of the remainder of this agreement, and the part or provision affected shall be curtailed or altered only to the minimum extent necessary to make it conform to the applicable law.

COLLECTION
For collection of lots purchased, the buyer will need to contact Antiquorum with instructions.
Collection of purchased lots can only take place once the invoice has been paid in full. For more details, contact Antiquorum Geneva, tel. +41 (0) 22 909 28 50.

SHIPPING & INSURANCE
Winning lots (watches and jewellery only) are available for pick up at our Geneva office for buyers having selected the collect point Geneva and at our Hong Kong office for buyers having selected the collect point Hong Kong. All others will be shipped directly to their location as per buyer‘s instructions.
Please note that buyers are responsible for all shipping fees and any other applicable fees including value added tax, customs duties, etc, for importation to their respective countries.
1% of the hammer price plus premium will be charged to cover the insurance liability, as according to law once the hammer falls the buyer is responsible for the insurance of the lot.
Please note Antiquorum is not responsible for shipping clocks, furnitures, voluminous and/or fragile items. Our shipping department will assist you in choosing a third party crating service.

ONLINE BIDDER REGISTRATION
On Antiquorum’s fully secure website, https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss, the following steps must be completed by prospective buyers:
• Create an account by providing name, address, telephone number, email address. NOTE: First time bidders are required to provide a valid ID (passport, identity card or driver licence). 
• Accept Antiquorum’s terms and conditions of sale.
• Register to the auction on https://live.antiquorum.swiss, and fill up the form. In some cases, Antiquorum may impose a credit limit to the online applicant, in which case the amended credit limit will be communicated to the client upon receipt of the registration form.
• After approval, bidders will receive a confirmation email. Prospective buyers can now bid online.
For additional information about the online bidding system, terms and conditions of use and sale, please visit www.antiquorum.swiss.

ONLINE BIDDING
Antiquorum’s fully secured online bidding system allows prospective buyers to place online bids directly through www.antiquorum.swiss for all traditional auctions worldwide.

THE SYSTEM OFFERS MANY FEATURES TO FACILITATE

THE ONLINE BIDDING PROCESS:
• The lot number with its image and description.
• Auction items have a “Place Bid” button next to a box for entering bids and show a “current bid” price.
• Lot items are opened to bids for a predetermined amount of time (countdown).
• When time is up, the item is declared “sold” to the highest bidder.
• If the maximum bid you entered is higher than the bids entered by anyone else so far, you become the new high bidder. The system bids on your behalf until you are outbid.
• If your maximum bid is not the highest bid entered so far, the system registers your bid but continues to bid on behalf of the high bidder, automatically outbidding you by one bid increment.
• The system continues to automatically bid on behalf of whoever is the highest bidder at the moment, up to and including their maximum, until the lot auction countdown runs out.
• The system will automatically increase your bid by the bid increment, only if you have been outbid, until it reaches your MAXIMUM BID.

• If two bids are place with the same amount, the system will choose the winner based on the time the bids were placed. The first bidder will be the one winning. 

• Changing your bid: you may change your bid at anytime between the posting date and the closing date, but your bid cannot be deleted
• Once the bid is placed it cannot be cancelled.
• Antiquorum cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions in the online system.
• Lots in this sale are sold “as is” and cannot be cancelled or returned.

BANK REFERENCES
(transfer to be made in euros;
bank charges to be borne by the client)

Account holder:
ANTIQUORUM Geneve SA
Bank name:
UBS
Account number: N° 0240-121155.01X
IBAN: CH850024024012115501X
Swif t code: UBSWCHZH80A

Antiquorum is a partner of Watch Certificate™, the authentication and certification service that accompanies your timepiece throughout its life.

Protect and enhance the value of your watch thanks to the Watch Certificate™

– Condition report: you access specific information about your watch, detailed with 53 standardized checkpoints, illustrated with 8 photographs of your watch.

– Market value: you have an estimate validated by an internationally recognized expert and recognized by insurers.

– History: you benefit from a logbook to record each maintenance operation, and which enhances the value of your watch over time.

– In the event of theft: you get assistance in your dealings with the police and insurance. The theft is reported to the manufacturer and your watch is placed on active surveillance. If it appears on one of the main online platforms or auction houses, you block its resale and maximize your chances of getting it back.

To find out more, visit the Watch Certificate™ website

https://www.watchcertificate.com/

For anyone subscribing to the Watch Certificate™, our partner’s terms and conditions apply, which can be found at https://www.watchcertificate.com/legal/ conditions-generales-de-vente

Heritage Preservation & Watch Auctions

From Aristotle’s Poetics to Hegel’s Aesthetics, more than 2,000 years of philosophy have drawn a line between the Fine Arts, considered noble because they presuppose intellectual activity, and craftsmanship, which lacks the essence of art. As Diderot and d’Alembert’s Encyclopédie put it, craftsmen are ‘workers who practice those arts that require the least intelligence’. Yet watchmaking expertise is so admired and fascinated that it seems to escape this vision. Watchmaking is consistently characterised by ambitious standards, as demonstrated by the definition of the term ‘Artisan’ in the Encylopédie, which states that ‘a good shoemaker is said to be a good craftsman, and a skilful watchmaker is said to be a great artist1’. Despite this thirst for artistic recognition, watchmaking still suffers from an almost total lack of heritage. Unlike the fine arts, which have benefited from institutional heritage recognition for several centuries, watchmaking has struggled to benefit from the concepts of conservation or restoration, or from public acquisition policies, which are so obvious in the case of the fine arts.

Antiquorum, a privileged partner of the manufacturers

Watchmaking owes its heritage recognition to the initiative of private institutions and collectors, who have moved it from curiosity cabinets to museum showcases. In 1902, under the impetus of the La Chauxde- Fonds School of Watchmaking, the fi rst watchmaking museum was created. At the same time, it was the watchmakers who built up the most important private collections. Building a heritage also means building legitimacy.

As a specialist in watch auctions since 1974, Antiquorum has always made it a point of honour to contribute to this heritage- building work, in particular by organising themed sales, as we presented in our last issue. The auction house not only contributes to the enhancement of watchmaking heritage through its catalogues and research, but also constitutes a lasting and reliable source of heritage for watch manufacturers.

In 1994, for example, Antiquorum had the opportunity to illustrate the virtuosity of Vacheron Constantin during the famous and very fi rst thematic sale ‘The Art of Vacheron Constantin’, in tribute to the brand, where no fewer than 286 timepieces were auctioned on 13 November at the Hôtel des Bergues. It was on this occasion that the ‘Grande Complication’ pocket watch commissioned in 1946 for Farouk I (1920-1965), King of Egypt, was sold for CHF 1,158,500. A masterpiece of watchmaking, this timepiece will remain the most complicated pocket watch ever produced by Vacheron Constantin in the 20th century.

The Vacheron Constantin private collection, initiated in 1906 following the Milan International Exhibition (28 April – 11 November 1906), continues to grow today. One of the most important arguments for its legitimacy is its colossal treasure trove of archives: correspondence, plans, photographs, as well as all the manufacturing registers dating back to the eighteenth century, all grouped together on more than 420 metres of shelving, roughly the length of an Olympic stadium. It is with this heritage in mind that the Manufacture off ers all its customers an exceptional restoration service: any watch produced between 1755 and the present day can be repaired or restored. Putting this knowledge to the test, the recreation of the American 1921 watch, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was an opportunity to redesign this emblematic timepiece identically, using period machine tools and components.

We are pleased to present here Antiquorum’s contribution to Vacheron Constantin’s heritage through some of the pieces we have had the honour of off ering for sale and which were purchased by Vacheron Constantin for this private collection.

Antiquorum at the service of Vacheron Constantin’s heritage

Founded in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron (1731-1805), Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watch manufacturer that has never stopped producing watches. The company’s long history has given it not only considerable legitimacy on the international stage, but also, and above all, unrivalled expertise. A quest for excellence that has endured for more than 260 years, as evidenced by François Constantin’s words to Jacques-Barthélémy Vacheron (1787-1864) – which have since become the company’s motto – in a letter dated 5 July 1819: ‘Do better if possible, which is always possible’.

Enamel Watches

But before going into partnership with François Constantin (1788-1854) in 1819, the company was called ‘Vacheron Chossat & Cie’ for a short period (1816- 1819), after Charles-François Chossat, Jacques-Barthélémy Vacheron’s brotherin- law, with whom the latter went into partnership in 1816. A short interval that serves as a chronological marker for watches from this period, which are extremely rare for obvious reasons. The Vacheron- Chossat enamelled yellow gold minute repeater pocket watch (No. 6498), sold for CHF 33,750 on 12 May 2013 (1) is a superb testament to this association. The fishing scene depicted is proof of the high quality of workmanship in painted enamels from the earliest days of the Manufacture. A tradition that has been perpetuated over time, as shown by the superb Ref. 4730 ‘North America’ in yellow gold with a cloisonné enamel dial (No. 463128, case No. 323580), made in 1951 and sold for CHF 115,000 on 3 April 2005 (2). The Manufacture produced very few watches with cloisonné enamel dials. As its name suggests, here it depicts a map of North America. Typical of the work of the Stern brothers, this design is in keeping with Vacheron Constantin’s taste of the 1950s. Unlike Patek Philippe, the Manufacture favours models representing the different continents, models resembling Gothic stained-glass windows, seascapes and Gauguin-style landscapes.

Witnesses of History

A Manufacture that has been in existence for more than two centuries has had the opportunity to be both a witness to major historical events and a player in all stylistic evolutions.

For example, the ‘Cupidon à l’hôtel de l’Amour’ ladies’ watch (No. 368871, case No. 229848) made in 1916 (3) is a perfect illustration of the taste for the French Second Empire. Set with diamonds, it is what is known as a ‘hidden beauty’, the cameo revealing the watch. A technical masterpiece, notably with the practical and elegant extensible bracelet, which was a novelty at the time, it also demonstrates Vacheron Constantin’s interest in its female clientele.

Another aesthetic, the rock crystal skeleton clock with 30-day constant-force power reserve (4), is an ode to the Art Deco style that dominated the western world. It is also an incredible technical feat achieved by Philippe René Jaccard, since a power reserve of 30 days in a single winding is highly unusual for a clock of this size: two spring barrels are used, and to avoid changes in rhythm caused by variations in the energy supplied by these two springs, there is a constant-force escapement designed to give precisely measured impulses to the balance wheel.

Thanks to its archives, the Heritage Department is therefore able to authenticate all the watches produced by the Manufacture using case and movement numbers: a considerable source of historical information. This is how we find the yellow gold ‘Empire’ pocket watch of Agénor Parmelin (1884 – 1917) (5) the famous Swiss aviator, 5 the first to fly over Mont Blanc in a Deperdussin monoplane. The dedication to this achievement, a gift from the Republic of the Canton of Geneva, is engraved on the bowl.

To read more, visit online version of our magazine Vox click on : Vox Magazine

Former property of….. by Antiquorum

Historical timepieces

In today’s auction market, the quest for proven and established provenance is all the more important. Not only is it a guarantee of security, but it is also a source of historical legitimacy. In many cases, these pieces bear witness to the courage and self-transcendence of extraordinary personalities. Today, Antiquorum is fortunate to be able to present in its next November auction in Geneva two fine and extremely rare wristwatches made unique thanks to their exceptional provenance : former property of Dr. Gabriel Chevalley and Mr. Dominique Appia.

Dans le marché actuel des enchères la provenance avérée et établie d’une pièce constitue un argument de vente important. C’est non seulement un gage de sécurité, mais aussi une source de légitimité historique. Dans de nombreux cas, ces pièces témoignent du courage et du dépassement de soi de personnages extraordinaires. Aujourd’hui, Antiquorum a la chance de pouvoir présenter dans sa vente du mois de novembre 2023, à Genève, quatre belles montres-bracelets rendues uniques de par leur provenance exceptionnelle, puisqu’ayant appartenues au Dr Gabriel Chevalley, leader de l’expédition suisse sur l’Everest à l’automne 1952, M. Alberto Parodi, géologiste célèbre pour son ascension du mont Solimana la même année, Dr. Mukwege, docteur congolais et prix Nobel de la Paix, et l’artiste genevois, M. Dominique Appia.

Collection of a swiss gentleman

In the 18th and 19th century, while European aristocrats and rich bourgeois collected Chinese porcelain and lacquer panels, the Middle Kingdom, fascinated by Western watchmaking, bought pocket watches in large quantities, often with rich enamel decoration. These are known today as Chinese watches or watches made for the Chinese market. This collection of Chinese pocket watches has been consigned by one of our oldest and most faithful client. We are presenting just a small part of his collection which will testify, without a doubt, of his impeccable taste.

The notion and apprehension of time is primordial. It is what draws the characteristic or even civilizational features of a people. For example, if in the West we have a linear vision of time, this is not the case in the East, more precisely in the Sinic cultures, where time is perceived in a circular sense.

When the first diplomatic relations with China were established, during the reign of King Louis IX of France (1214-1270), animated pieces had their role to play. In 1253 Louis dispatched an ambassador to Manghu Khan, the Grand Khan of Tartary. This was the epoch of the great Mongol incursions which swept over Russia as far as Kiev, and southward as far as Poland and Hungary. An account of the voyage by the King’s ambassador, Guillaume de Rubruquis, a Flemish priest and traveler, is conserved in the British Museum. Originally in Latin, it was translated into English in 1629 and into French in 1839. This document states that among the prisoners of the Tartars at Karakarum was a certain Guillaume Boucher, a skilled goldsmith from Lyon who won the favor of the emperor of Tartary by constructing for him a monumental and marvelous automaton. Four silver lions lay at the foot of a great tree with boughs bearing silver leaves and fruits, and mare’s milk flowing from their half-opened jaws. On the inside, four conduits rose to the top of the tree and descended in the form of gilded serpents. Out of their mouths ran precious liqueurs to fill silver vessels. At the top, an angel sounded a trumpet when the cupbearer gave the order to pour out the draught. The apparatus was activated by means of a bellows worked by a man hidden in the base of the tree. Servants replenished nearby reservoirs with the liqueurs for the respective conduits.

Although the first connections between China and the West were established in the 13th century, the first clocks and watches were imported via Portuguese trading posts in the 16th century (1514), under the Ming dynasty, especially with the Jesuits ‘arrival in Beijing, such as Father Matteo Ricci (1552-1610). Timepieces have long been gifts of predilection. Symbols of power, of knowledge, messengers of culture, tokens of friendship, and gauge of peace, they never failed to astonish and to please.

At the threshold between these two worlds, pocket watches destined for the Chinese market are a splendid testimony to Swiss know-how exported abroad as early as the 18th century. They are sought after by many collectors due to the richness of the engraved and enameled decorations, punctuated by seized golds and surrounded by half pearls. Actually, these orders were extended to an important part of Asia, in India or Persia. The two main production centers for pocket watches destined for the Chinese market were London and Switzerland.

During the 18th century the English made significant efforts to expand their trade through China. London clock-makers played a prominent role in the popularity of ‘Curiosities’ so admired by the Chinese. The English East India Company, created in 1600, seized control of large parts of the Indian subcontinent, colonized parts our Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Strong commercial and diplomatic ties between Britain and the Chinese court ensured that many watches, despite being of Swiss origin, were signed with English names and marked London.

British hallmarks were sometimes faked or imitated, especially in the 18th and early 19th centuries when English watchmaking enjoyed a reputation as the finest there was. Marks looking like British hallmarks were out into watchcases to lead people to think that a watch was of English make. Sometimes pseudo ‘‘hallmarks’’, marks that were meant to look somewhat like hallmarks without trying to be out-and-out fake hallmarks, were stamped in order to make a case look more impressive. Most of the time these pocket watches were made in China, in silver or gilded silver, but with the same characteristics as the pocket watches made in Europe for the Chinese market.

However the Continental Blockade, from 1806 to 1814, broke the relationships between Geneva and London. After 1815, the workshops of Piguet & Meylan, Jaquet Droz & Leschot in Geneva, James Cox or Ilbery in London and Bovet in Fleurier distinguished themselves by the quality of their creations, often enameled in Geneva. At its peak around 1840, trade, although disrupted by the opium wars, continued with Switzerland. The influence of Edouard Bovet was such that “Bo Wei” is the Cantonese word for “watch” itself. Contrary to one might think, Western watchmakers did not adopt forms from their intended market. Chinese taste matched the European style with fantastical forms, arabesque floral arrangements with colorful gem set borders.

After the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and then the Socialist Revolution, most of the collections were sold.

TO BE PRESENTED IN GENEVA MAY AUCTION 2023

Preview : May 10th – 15th

Antiquorum Genève SA

3 rue du Mont-Blanc

1201 Genève

Auction : May 14th – 15th

Sunday May 14th at 5PM – 1st session

Monday May 15th at 10AM – 2nd session

Monday May 15th at 2PM – 3rd session

Hôtel Beau-Rivage – Salon de l’Impératrice

13 Quai du Mont-Blanc

1201 Genève

Ilbery London, Switzerland, CHINESE YOUNG LADY DRESSED IN FORMAL COURT COSTUME, made for the Chinese market, circa 1820

 Estimate : 60.000 – 100.000 CHF

Very fine and extremely rare 18K gold and enamel, pearl-set, centre-seconds watch with duplex escapement. Empire case, the split-pearl set bezel, pendant and bow with blue and azure champleve enameled decoration the scarlet flinque enameled band with split-pearl inlaid decoration, the enamel back panel painted with the portrait of a Chinese noble lady on a balcony in a Chinese landscape.

William Ilbery, London, recorded as working in 1780, died 1839.

Specialized in watches for the Chinese Market, and worked closely with contacts in Switzerland both for movements and enamel work. The political and commercial relations between Britain and China were so essential, that even the exceptionally talented Jaquet-Droz established a branch in London to take advantage of the China trade. The best period of watchmaking for the Chinese Market coincides with Ilbery’s success –  in 1790 – 1830 – and with the work of the finest enamel artists – Dupont, Richter, Lissignol etc. Almost without exception, the subjects depicted on these cases were taken either from classical mythology, Swiss landscape painting, or based on stories of an allegorical nature – Faith, Hope, Love etc. Examples with a portrait are virtually unknown for the time, and until the watch now offered for sale appeared, only one other was apparently known to have survived. At the Christie’s auction of April 20, 1991 in New York – Important Clocks and Watches, lot 89 was a virtual pair to the current lot, but with the back panel depicting a portrait of a Chinese gentleman, also dressed in formal Court costume (present whereabouts currently unknown). Although not a pair in the generally accepted sense (ie. the identical subject but painted in reverse), they must originally have been commissioned for the saute customer and presumably the couple depicted in the portraits. Frequently sequential numbering of the movements can be found on ‘pairs’ of watches, but it does not appear to have been an infallible rule. Since there is no tradition of Swiss enamellers working in China at the beginning of the 19th century, it is interesting to speculate as to how the ‘master’ portraits were communicated to Europe. Towards the end of the 19th century, photography was used, and drawings do exist from the 1860’s or later (see A. Chapuis, la Montre Chinoise, Neuchatel, p.187, fig.148). In view of the rich colouring of the costume, and the incorporation of flecks of gold to simulate braid, it seems possible that the portraits may have been taken from glass paintings, a technique that enjoyed considerable popularity in China. Plate glass mirrors were exported from Europe to be partially decorated with the same technique and returned for framing in the chinoiserie style.

Edouard Juvet, Switzerland, THE NOBLEMAN, made for the Chinese market, circa 1870.

Estimate : 40.000 – 60.000 CHF

Very fine 18K gold and enamel centre-seconds watch, with duplex escapement.
Pendant and bow with champleve enamelled decoration, the back enamel panel with a fine painted scene depicting a nobleman helping his loved one to cross the stream. Hinged polished-gold cuvette with bright cut and engraved decoration. The scene depicted in the neo-rocaille, neo-Louis XV style, which was very in vogue in the 19th century, demonstrates the taste of the Chinese market for this type of motif.

Edouard & Léo Juvet 

One of the important Swiss horological families working for the Chinese market. Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) was first established in Buttes in 1842, but in 1844 moved his workshop to Fleurier. He began making ”Chinese” watches in 1856. Edouard’s sons Ami-Louis and Léo traveled to China to work in the family firm. When Ami-Louis died there, Léo (1848-1891) took his place. In Shanghai, the Juvets were rivaled only by the Bovets, yet the two families maintained friendly relations. The Maison Juvet prospered, opening branches in Tien-Tsin and Saigon, to the extent that in 1872 Léo wrote : “Our watches sell like salt”. In 1873, Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters, which was used on the company’s products. He granted his son Léo power of attorney in November 1875, and after his death in February 1883, Léo succeeded him at the head of the firm.

Ilbery London, Switzerland, CALM HARBOR, made for the Chinese market, circa 1820

Estimate : 60.000 – 100.000 CHF

Fine and very rare, 18K gold, painted on enamel and pearl-set pocket watch with duplex escapement. The enamel attributed to Jean-Louis Richter. “Empire” style case, the hinged back decorated with a finely painted view in the manner of Claude Vernet of people washing their clothes from a boat in a calm harbor landscape with mountains and a small village in the distance. Hinged and sprung gold cuvette attached to the movement ring.

Jean-Louis Richter (1766-1841)

Learned his art under David-Etienne-Roux and Philippe-Samuel-Théodore Roux, becoming a most renowned enamel painter. His specialty was the painting of landscapes and particularly lake-side scenes and marine-scapes, often representing ships in a harbour or battles with fighting Men-of-War, but, on occasion, also portraits and hunting scenes. He did not often sign his work, but it is clearly recognised as being in his hand from the style and quality of the painting. He applied his art principally to watch cases and snuff boxes and these were largely destined for the Chinese, Turkish, British and Italian markets. In 1828 he was in partnership with Aimé-Julien Troll (1781-1852) and one can find work signed? Richter et Troll?. Richter, like other great enamel painters of the time, often found inspiration for his work from paintings or engravings by the artists then in fashion particularly Claude Vernet.

William Ilbery (ca. 1760-1839)

Active in London from 1780 in Goswell Street, he moved to Duncan Terrace towards the end of the 18th century. Following James Cox in London and Jaquet Droz in Switzerland, he also specialised in the production of luxury watches for the Chinese Market. His early production was very much in the English style, featuring a full plate movement and an English type single wheel duplex escapement. However, for his highest quality watches, he incorporated a spring detent escapement. Later, the watch movements he produced were much inspired by the Lepine caliber with free-standing barrel, as were Jaquet Droz’s Swiss production signed in London and that of William Anthony, who worked in London. The cases of his watches were sumptuously decorated by the best Genevan enamelers, such as Jean-Francois-Victor Dupont, who usually signed his work, and Jean-Louis Richter, who signed rarely. He organized the production in Switzerland, mainly in Fleurier, of profusely engraved movements for the Asian market. He was followed in this by makers such as Bovet and Juvet who also worked in Fleurier (Val de Travers). Ilbery can therefore be considered one of the most representative makers of ”Chinese” watches. He seems to have maintained close contacts with the continental trade since a watch signed ”Ilbery Paris” is known and Ilbery & Son are recorded in London and Fleurier, as well as in Canton.

Bovet Fleurier , Switzerland, THE SHAKESPEARIAN TRAGEDY, made for the Chinese market, circa 1824

Estimate : 50.000 – 100.000 CHF

Very fine and important 18K gold and enamel pearl-set watch, made for the Chinese market. Empire shaped case 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. Hinged gold engine-turned cuvette.

“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 19^th 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.

Bovet
A watchmaking dynasty founded by Edouard, Frédéric, Alphonse, Gustave, Charles-Henri, and Caroline Bovet, of Fleurier. In 1822, a Bovet partnership was founded for the Chinese watch trade in Canton. In 1840, Bovet Frères et Cie was established in Fleurier, and in 1864, the Bovet watch production was sold to Bovet’s manufacturing inspectors in Fleurier, Jules Jéquier and Ernest Bobillier, soon joined by Ami Leuba. In 1888, Bovet Frères was founded under the direction of Alexis Landry, who served his apprenticeship in Fritz Bovet’s workshop in Fleurier, producing ebauches for Chinese watches and silver cases. Alexis Landry formed a partnership with Albert and Jean Bovet, specializing in complicated watches and chronographs. In 1901, the Bovet trademark was acquired by César and Charles Leuba, sons of Ami Leuba. In 1918, Jacques Ullmann & Co. of La Chaux-de-Fonds bought the Bovet brand from Leuba Brothers, and in 1948, Favre-Leuba took over the company and acquired the first production plant. In 1966 Favre-Leuba sold the Fleurier plant, and in 1989 Parmigiani acquired the Bovet name.
A limited company registered as Bovet Fleurier S.A. was formed in 1990, using the Bovet trademark. In 1994, Roger Guye and a partner bought Bovet Fleurier S.A. and opened a branch in Geneva. Pascal Raffy became the majority shareholder and President in 2001. Today, Bovet timepieces are widely available in the world’s major destinations. Eager to maintain its historical roots in the Far East, the company has subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Japan, and delivers its collection to select distributors in Singapore, Taiwan, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, the United States, London, and Geneva.

Ilbery London, Switzerland, ILBERY, SOLID GOLD MOVEMENT WITH RICHTER ENAMEL SCENE, made for the Chinese market, circa 1810

Estimate : 40.000 – 80.000 CHF

Very fine and rare, pocket watch made for the Chinese market, special “solid red gold” movement; 18K yellow gold and enamel; the enamel attributable to Jean-Louis Richter. 18K yellow gold and enamel, open-face, key-winding, round-shaped, pocket watch with special solid gold movement and subsidiary seconds at 6.

An Extraordinary Discovery

This watch is the “sister” of a piece we sold in this same auction room in Hong Kong on April 28, 2019 (lot 607).

The enamelled scene of the two watches is mirrored; the image being reversed like the reflection of each other in a mirror. This is one of the specificities of the Genevan production for the Chinese market, which often passed through the London trade before being exported to the Middle Kingdom. It is also worth noting that both of these timepieces are equipped with extraordinary movements built in solid gold. We are thus dealing here with one of the summits of the history of watchmaking at the beginning of the 19^th century.

The watch is accompanied by a box with two places, expressly made to keep the two pieces together. On the back of this box is an antique label with a handwritten inscription: “Numa Jacot / Fleurier”. This may be the name of a former owner of this pair of watches, now separated from each other but hopefully reunited one day. It is difficult to say whether this box dates from the time of the production of the watches or rather from the middle of the 19th century; probably the time of their return to Europe following the vicissitudes of the Celestial Empire in the 19th century.

Some enlightened amateurs will tell us that the numbers of the movements are not consecutive, that they cannot be pieces born together, like two twins. The studies we have been conducting on so-called “Chinese” watches for decades lead us to reply that if this seems illogical, it is not impossible. This is all the more true since we are dealing here with extremely rare movements whose production must have taken much longer than that of classic “Chinese” movements. Several pairs of watches preserved in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva demonstrate this because the numbers of their movements are not consecutive.

Note also that this pair of watches is the only one known to date with gold movements. In fact, we have listed only seven of these movements, four of which are signed by “Ilbery London”. Despite this signature, we know today that this production is entirely from Geneva.

For more information, we refer our readers to our 2010 exhibition catalogue: Tellier, Arnaud, & Didier, Mélanie, The Mirror of Seduction, Prestigious pairs of “Chinese” Watches, Geneva, Patek Philippe Museum Editions, 2010.

William Ilbery (c.1760-1839)

Active in London from 1780 in Goswell Street, he moved to Duncan Terrace towards the end of the 18th century. Following James Cox in London and Jaquet Droz in Switzerland, he also specialised in the production of luxury watches for the Chinese Market. His early production was very much in the English style, featuring a full plate movement and an English type single wheel duplex escapement. However, for his highest quality watches, he incorporated a spring detent escapement. Later, the watch movements he produced were much inspired by the Lépine calibre with free-standing barrel, as were Jaquet Droz’s Swiss production signed in London and that of William Anthony, who worked in London.

The cases of his watches were sumptuously decorated by the best Genevan enamelers, such as Jean-Francois-Victor Dupont (1785-1863), who usually signed his work, and Jean-Louis Richter (1766-1841), who signed rarely. He organized the production in Switzerland, mainly in Fleurier (Val-de-Travers), of profusely engraved movements for the Asian market. He was followed in this by makers such as Bovet and Juvet who also worked in Fleurier. Ilbery can therefore be considered one of the most representative makers of ‘‘Chinese’’ watches. He seems to have maintained close contacts with the continental trade since a watch signed ‘‘Ilbery Paris’’ is known and Ilbery & Son are recorded in London and Fleurier, as well as in Canton. His son, William Ilbery (c.1780-c.1851), works with him.

The case of our watch is made in the same spirit as that of the watch signed Ilbery, London, No. 5 995, whose movement (gilded brass, full plate, with fusee and chain) is fitted with a spring detent Peto cross escapement. The enamel painting, also attributable to Jean-Louis Richter, represents a scene with children “Feeding the Chicks”. This case is also of “Consular”-type with scalloped edges (see: Antiquorum, Geneva, auction, April 13, 2002, lot 61, sold for the amount of CHF 245 500.-). Ilbery seems to have used this type of case only for its more luxurious watches; those with “chronometer” movements or “solid red gold” movements.

Only very few Ilberys watches with “solid red gold” movements are known to-date. This is the fourth movement known duly signed by Ilbery, London. The others are unsigned. All cased with painting on enamel attributable to Jean-Louis Richter, Geneva .

The charming painted enamel scene decorating the present watch derives from English genre paintings by artists from the Royal Academy, such as Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Francis Wheatley (1747-1801), William Hamilton (1751-1801), William Redmore Bigg (1755-1828), George Morland (1763-1804), etc., who specialised in images of romanticised English rural life in the last quarter of the 18th century.

Their paintings were engraved by Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1815), Thomas Burke (1749-1815), John Raphael Smith (1752-1812), Peltro William Tomkins (1760-1840), Henry Gillbank (fl. late-18th and early-19th c.), Thomas Gaugain (1756-c.1810), etc., and sold as prints which were published by John Boydell (1719-1804) and Josiah Boydell (1752-1817), engravers and print-sellers, James Daniell (fl.1771-1814), John Brydon (fl.1783-1806) and others.

These genre prints were enormously popular and were used as models for Genevan enamelers, including Jean-Louis Richter (1766-1841).

Objects of Virtue

These watches, made for the Chinese market, testify to an exceptional know-how which is nowadays inherited by the craftsmanship – “Métier d’art” – departments of the manufactures. This craze for rich enameled decorations and cases set with pearls and gems extended to a whole range of objects of virtue – “objets de vertus” –, also known as vitrine objects, such as snuffboxes and music boxes.

Attributable to Piguet et Meylan, Switzerland, AUTOMATON AND MUSICAL SNUFF BOX, made for the Chinese market, circa 1820

Estimate : 40.000 – 80.000 CHF

Very fine and unusual 18K gold and enamel pear-set snuff box with eglomise glass panels, built-in centre seconds watch and musical automaton scene. Rectangular shapped case with English prestige marks, eglomise (under painted on glass) panels painted with flowers over a black ground, the lid with split-pearl set borders and bezel. Enamel dial plate finely painted with a country landscape and applied on each side of the dial with a three-coloured gold sitting lady on the right, playing the mandolin, a standing boy on the left beating time in unison.

Philippe Samuel Meylan Born February 15, 1772, in Bas-du-Chenit, died in 1845.

At 20 years old he came to Geneva where he worked for the Godemar Frères in quality of Master worker. Afterwards he went back to Brassus where he founded a little factory in 1811. He then returned to Geneva where he definitively settled. He met another watchmaker from his own village, Isaac Piguet, with whom he entered into partnership, founding the Piguet & Meylan firm, which would last from 1811 to 1828. It specialised in minute cadratures, musical watches, skeleton or automaton watches, mechanical animals and figures, he is also credited with the invention of the bagnolet caliber. Isaac Daniel Piguet. Born in 1775 in Le Chenit in the Vallée de Joux, Isaac Daniel Piguet was the son of Pierre Moïse Piguet and Elisabeth Nicole. He married Jeanne Françoise Capt around 1795, and around 1800 settled in Geneva with his family. Isaac Daniel Piguet went into business with Henry Daniel Capt, his brother-in-law, on February 10, 1802. The association between Piguet & Meylan came to an end in 1828. Piguet and his son David Auguste established a new company, Piguet père & fils, located no 69 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Isaac Daniel Piguet died in Geneva, on January 20, 1841, at the age of 66. he sur plateau musical arrangement, as found in this box, is attributed to Philippe Meylan. The blades are laid out at angles of equal intervals, and they move progressively inward toward the center of the disc. The teeth playing the higher notes, since they are stiffer, are acted upon by the pin near the center of the disc, the lower notes are played by the more easily flexed blades set nearer the periphery of the disc. The number of the blades usually varies between 16 and 27 but usually several notes are duplicated. The present box features Meylan’s invention as well as typical Piguet et Meylan automaton arrangement, with the center-seconds cylinder watch movement set directly on the same plate as the musical one. In addition, the enamel on the dial plate has most of the characteristics found on other Piguet et Meylan dial plates.

Attributed to Piguet & Capt., Switzerland, BASKET OF FLOWERS, made for the Chinese market, circa 1820

 Estimate : 70.000 – 130.000 CHF

Very fine and important, gold and enamel, pearl-set, snuff box with a concealed watch and automaton. Case with three compartments: the central compartment for the snuff, having a lid decorated with a finely painted basket of flowers within a half pearl border. The side compartments with spring-loaded covers, the left one for the automata and the right one for the watch, both covered with predominantly royal blue translucent enamel over ‘sunburst’ engine-turning with borders in white enamel and half pearls, the sides en suite. The bottom painted with a butterfly with open wings in translucent red enamel against royal blue translucent enamel, the same as on the sides, over engine-turning. Under the left lid is an automaton pastoral scene with a shepherdess raising and lowering her hand, feeding a lamb which moves its head up and down; in the front a grazing sheep nods its head and a dog with animated head drinks from a stream running from the mill, with turning waterwheel and a small waterfall simulated by a twisted glass rod. All figures in multicolores gold and silver, set polychrome enamel painted scene over gold. Under the right lid is the watch.

A box of identical shape, with identical automaton and watch movements, was in the Pierpont Morgan Collection, described in the catalogue under No. 85, and is now in the Metropolitan Museum of New York. Another one is preserved in the Sandoz Collection, described by Alfred Chapuis and Edmond Droz in ‘Les Automates’, plate VII and p.180.

Specialised in the production of complicated watches, musical and/or automaton scenes incorporated into watches, snuff-boxes or objects. Among the first in Geneva to use the musical mechanism with pinned cylinder and tuned teeth comb. From Ventôse 16, An X (March 7, 1802), to 1811, Henry-Daniel Capt (1773-1841) formed a partnership with Isaac-Daniel Piguet (1775-1841), who was from the same village – Le Chenit – as he in the Vallée de Joux. Their signature was Piguet & Capt. In 1811, when Piguet broke off to join Philippe-Samuel Meylan (1772-1845) in a new partnership, Henry-Daniel Capt continued to work on his own until, in 1830, he went into partnership with Aubert and Son, Place Bel-Air. Their signature was Aubert & Capt. They were among the first Genevan makers to produce watches with chronograph. In 1844, the workshop was at 108, rue Neuve in Geneva. It was then managed by Capt’s son, Henry Capt Jr. After a short time it moved to 85, rue de la Fusterie, and in 1851, to 177, rue du Rhône. In 1880, the firm was bought by Gallopin and its name became H. Capt Horloger, Maison Gallopin Successeurs, a trademark registered on November 1, 1880, under the No. 44. This signature was only used for watches retailed in their own store, the watches supplied to other retailers being merely signed Henry Capt. Henry-Daniel Capt, along with Isaac-Daniel Piguet and Philippe-Samuel Meylan, was the foremost maker of small musical automata in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Most of his work is not signed, although he sometimes scratched his name on his movements.

Provenance:

Published in the Sandberg book, pages 418-419. Lot 201 from the Sandberg collection.

Jean-Louis Richter, Switzerland, RICHTER ”RIVERSIDE LANDSCAPE” 18K FOUR-COLOURED GOLD, circa 1830

Estimate : 50.000 – 100.000 CHF

Very fine and important 18K four-coloured gold and enamel, pearl-set musical snuff-box. Rectangular case with canted corners, the enamel panel of the lid with split-pearl set borders, finely painted by Richter with a riverside landscape, a castle and mountains on the back, a rowing boat on the foreground with a family enjoying a nice afternoon. Engine-turned side and back panels with four coloured gold floral and foliage decoration chased over a matted ground.

Jean Louis Richter (1766-1841)

 He learned his art under David-Etienne-Roux and Philippe-Samuel and Theodore Roux, becoming a most renowned enamel painter. His specialty was the painting of landscapes and particularly lake and marine scapes, often representing ships in a harbour or battles with fighting Men-of-war but, on occasion, also portraits and hunting scenes. Although it may happen that his signature, running hand-writing, appears on some of his work, more often than not his paintings are unsigned but can clearly be recognized as being in his hand from the style and duality of the work. He applied his art principally to watch cases and snuff boxes and these were largely destined for the Chinese, Turkish, British and Italian markets. In 1828, he was in partnership with Aimé-Julien Troll (1781-1852) and one can find work signed Richter et Troll.

Richter, like other great enamel painters of the time, often found inspiration for his work from paintings or engravings by the artists then in fashion, particularly Claude Verne,  Van der Myn (1684-1741), Giovanni Battista Cipriani (1727-1785), John Francis Rigaud (1742-1820), John Hoffner (1748-1810) and Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1815), or even from the romanticised English and Irish rural life or particularly  famous scenes such as the ” Rape of Helen ” from the engraving by Guido Reni (1575-1642), now in the Cabinet des Estampes, Paris.