Swiss silver lever watch made for the Chinese market Circa 1875

Silver center seconds watch by Léo Juvet
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A Swiss silver open faced center seconds pocket watch made for the Chinese market, circa 1875. The movement with a Chinese caliber, ten jewels, a counterpoised lateral lever escapement, free standing barrel, flat balance spring and an index regulator. White enamel dial, small central time indication with radial Roman hours, an outer minute track, outermost Chinese zodiac symbols and Chinese characters, and original blued steel hands. A plain case with a hinged and sprung glazed cuvette fitted to the movement ring. Case and movement signed Juvet in Chinese characters.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Signed: Léo Juvet
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The Juvet family was one of the important Swiss horological families which made timepieces for the Chinese market. Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) established his workshop in Buttes in 1842 and moved to Fleurier in 1844. In 1856, he began making watches for the Chinese market. Both his sons, Ami-Louis and Léo, eventually went to China to work in the family firm there. After Ami-Louis had died there, Léo (1848-1891) travelled to China to take his place.

In Shanghai, the Juvets were rivalled only by the Bovets, yet the two families maintained friendly relations. The company prospered, opening branches in Tien-Tsin and Saigon, to the extent that in 1872 Léo wrote: “Our watches sell like salt”.

Edouard registered a trademark in Chinese characters in 1873, to be used on the company’s products. In November 1875, he granted his son Léo power of attorney. After Edouard died in February 1883, Léo succeeded him as head of the firm.

The pocket watches by Juvet with their finely handcrafted and unique artistic style were also welcomed by the royal family members of the Qing Dynasty. The company has since become the emperor’s watch brand. Owning a Juvet pocket watch is a symbol of nobility.