Austrian Swiss silver enamel and rock crystal watch Circa 1845

Open faced octagonal watch with movement by J. F. Bautte & Cie.
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An Austrian silver, enamel and rock crystal octagonal watch with Swiss movement, circa 1845. The watch features a gilded full plate movement, signed J. F. Bautte et Cie, à Genève, with a verge escapement, a plain flat three arm balance, and a decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge. It also comprises a brass regulation plate, fusee and chain, and cylindrical pillars. The champlevé enamel dial showcases green, blue, and white enamels, with gilded roundels displaying black Roman numerals. The surround is pierced with foliate scrolls and enhanced with translucent enamels in blue, red, turquoise, green, black, and yellow. The rock crystal case, bezels, and pendant are adorned with various colour enamels.
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Width: 40.5 mm
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Length including pendant and bow: 62 mm
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Signed: J. F. Bautte et Cie, à Genève
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The movement seems to be fully wound. A slight push will get the movement briefly running. There are some minor chips and losses to the enamel of the dial. The dial’s surround has chips and losses to the enamel decoration. The case shows chips and losses to the enamel decoration throughout. The rock crystal appears to be in good condition.
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J.F. Bautte & Cie. was established in 1837 following the death of Jean François Bautte. However, the style of movement in the current watch suggests an earlier date, and it is therefore likely that this watch incorporates an ‘old stock’, previously unfinished movement. During the 19th century, decorative cases like these reflected a growing enthusiasm and demand for collectible 17th century watches, resulting in the production of new timepieces in a 17th century style. While some of these watches were created to deceive, others, such as the current watch, were intended to provide wider access to a style that was otherwise largely unobtainable. In the 19th century, Vienna was renowned for producing such decorative watch cases.