14,950 CHF
Probably Paris, circa 1640, with movement specially made for the case by John Le Roux, Charing Cross, London, No. 1677, circa 1790. Very fine and rare gold and champlevé enamel pair-cased watch. Outer: leather-covered, double-body, decorated with gilt piqué work in a rosette pattern. Inner: scallop-shaped, six lobes, entirely chased, engraved and enameled with floral motifs in opaque white, blue and black enamel, intertwined with translucent red, green, and dark blue, small pendant for loose bow. Enamel on gold, champlevé Roman numerals on gold ring with half-hour dot divisions, the center and outermost predominately in champlevé opaque white enamel decorated en suite to the case, with flowers. Blued steel “beetle andpoker” hands. Hinged, gilt brass, full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement,plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass English cock pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage, gilt dust cap.Movement and dust cap signed.Diam. Inner case 35 mm, outer 44 mm. Notes It was a common practice in the 18th century to replace a movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collections. The fact that the movement of this watch was replaced by John Leroux, a maker of great repute, known for his excellent workmanship and innovations, suggests that it was particularly dear to its owner. John Leroux, as shown by the examples of his work preserved in the Brit
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-11-14
