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9. A unique and very fine 18K gold open face key wind amphor…
9
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9. A unique and very fine 18K gold open face key wind amphor…
Estimate €100,000 - €150,000
Voluntary lot
Description
9. A unique and very fine 18K gold open face key wind amphora style enamelled table watch attributed to Jaquet-Droz with repeating function, pearls and diamonds set case
Date: Circa 1800
Movement: Gilt full plate, cylinder escapement
Dial: Enamelled white, black Arabic numerals, black outer minute divisions, blued steel hands
Case: Amphora form, blue and red enamelled decorations throughout, pearls to bezel and edges, very fine enamelled scene to back
Size: 45mm x 79mm
Weight: 80,04g
Accompaniments: Wooden box, winding key
Dating from circa 1800 and attributed to Jaquet-Droz, this extraordinary amphora-form repeating watch represents the remarkable fusion of horology, jewellery, and decorative arts that characterised the finest Genevan and Swiss productions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Far more than a simple timekeeping instrument, pieces of this nature were conceived as luxurious objets d'art intended for aristocratic patrons and sophisticated collectors.
Its highly unusual amphora-shaped case, richly decorated with blue and red enamel work and accented with pearls and diamonds, reflects the strong influence of Neoclassical aesthetics popular throughout Europe during the period. The finely enamelled scene to the reverse further demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship involved in the creation of such watches, where miniature painting and goldsmithing were considered equally important to the movement itself.
The inclusion of a repeating mechanism adds another layer of technical sophistication, as repeating watches ranked among the most prestigious complications of their time. Combined with the rarity of its form, elaborate gem-setting, and attribution to Jaquet-Droz—a name historically associated with automata, luxury horology, and mechanical innovation—the present watch stands as an exceptionally refined example of early 19th-century decorative watchmaking.
This magnificent piece shows in a few details some characteristics of the work of Jaquet-Droz, and the movement number relate to a vase No.100 in the Sandoz Collection.
To date it is the only known in varicoloured of gold, enamel colour in front and different colour to reverse, pearls and diamonds with additional complication 'Sonnerie des heures et quarts'.
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