27,600 CHF
Crawford, London, No. 1012, made for the Chinese market, circa 1770.Rare and very fine 22K gold, pair-cased hardstone, diamond- and gem-set, hour-striking clockwatch with quarter repeating on a bell. Outer: gold frame inset with panels of gray striated agate bordered with emeralds and divided by pierced rose-cut diamond-set floral motifs. Inner: double-body, bassine, polished, the band chased with a scallop shell, pierced and engraved with foliate decoration. White enamel with radial Chinese numerals, outer minute track with five-minute Chinese markers. Rose-cut diamond set "Louis XV" hands. 32 mm., hinged gilt brass full plate, two-train with cylindrical pillars. Going-train with fsee and chain, verge escapement with plain three-arm brass balance and flat spring, gilt brass English cock with diamond endstone, fixed barrel for the striking train. Repeating on a bell by depressing the pendant. Gilt brass dust cap.Signed on the dust cap and movement.Diam: 50 mm. Notes The outer case of this watch is typical of the sumptuouly decorated pieces which were destined for the Chinese market. Most of these watches, during this period, were given as gifts to the Chinese Emperor powerful Mandarins, by European Monarchs through their embassies.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2002-11-16
