29,900 CHF
Millenet A Paris, Swiss, circa 1780. Very rare and fine oval gold, almandine garnet, rock crystal and diamond pair-cased pendant watch. Outer, double body of vari coloured gold pierced with interlaced flowers, ribbons and trophies, with a rose diamond set bezel and open back. Inner, two body with gold frame, the back cut and faceted from a single large almandine garnet,the cover of rock crystal, with diamond set pendant and bow. Oval white enamel, with Arabic numerals and minute ring. Gold "moon" hands. Oval, gilt brass full-plate, turned pillars, fusee with chain, cylinder escapement, plain gold alloy balance, flat balance spring with endstone, simple engraved cock. Signed on the back-plate and dial. Overall length 44mm. ,width 25mm. Notes Although in the French style, it would appear that this watch was certainly made in Geneva, probably for export. The Millenet family was working in Geneva throughout the entire 18th century. Watches utilizing a single precious or semi precious stone to form an entire section of the case are very rare. Two examples exist in almandine garnet dating from mid 17th century and such stones were at the time usually mined in Austria.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1991-10-20
