Swiss pair of silver watches for the Chinese market Circa 1875

Pair of silver centre seconds lever watches by Juvet
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A very fine Swiss pair of silver centre seconds lever pocket watches made for the Chinese market, circa 1875. Gilded and entirely foliate engraved movement, Chinese calibre, ten jewels, free-standing barrel, counterpoised lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator. Spring-loaded and glazed cuvette. White enamel dial with narrow Roman numerals, outer minute divisions and original blued steel ovoid hands. Polished case. Dials, cases and movements signed Juvet in Chinese characters. Accompanied by the original morocco fitted case and an Alex Ross & Co key.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Signed: Léo Juvet Shanghai
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Although most of the watches and snuffboxes destined for the Chinese market were made in pairs, the majority of them were separated. It is rare to find a pair still together.
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Juvet was one of the important Swiss horological families working for the Chinese market. Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) established his workshop in Buttes in 1842 but in 1844 moved to Fleurier. He began making ‘Chinese’ watches in 1856. Edouard’s sons Ami-Louis and Léo travelled to China to work in the family firm. In Shanghai, the Juvets were rivalled only by the Bovets, yet the two families maintained friendly relations. The Maison Juvet prospered, opening branches in Tien-Tsin and Saigon. In 1873, Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters, which was used on the company’s products.