41,400 HKD
Leroy (Constantinople), Swiss, made for the Islamic Market, circa 1830. Fine, 18K gold and enamel, pair-cased cabriolet watch. Outer with scalloped edge, the bezels with white champlevé enamelled decoration over a black ground, the back enamel panel with a fine composition of summer flowers, painted en grisaille over a black ground. Inner double-body, decorated en suite, the back enamel panel painted with trophies of science. Hinged gold cuvette with foliage engraved decoration over a black enamel ground. The inner case can be turned in the outer case so that the watch can be used either as an open face or as a hunte. White enamel with Turkish numerals. Blued steel Breguet hands. 14’’’, gilt brass, bar calibre with going barrel, cylinder escapement, plain gilt brass three arm balance, flat balance spring.Signed in Turkish on the dial.Diam. 47 mm. Notes Leroy was the agent of Breguet in Constantinople but he also imported, from Switzerland, watches produced by other makers for the Islamic Market. Among his clients were some of the most distinguished dignitaries of the Ottoman Empire, including the Grand Douanier Ameda, Amil Bey, Lya Bey and Beykan Sultan.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2000-06-05
