Swiss duplex made for the Chinese market Circa 1880-1899

Gold, enamel and pearl set watch with centre seconds by Bovet Fleurier
–
A fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold, enamel and pearl set open faced centre seconds duplex pocket watch made for the Chinese market, circa 1880-1899. Blued mirror polished steel duplex movement. Hinged glazed display cuvette. White enamel dial with Roman numerals and centre seconds. Large case, finely painted polychrome enamel mandarin duck set within a polychrome enamel mountain scene, pearl set bezel, rim, pendant and bow. Case stamped with Bovet hallmark, movement signed, rim of case back numbered.
–
Diameter: 57 mm
–
Signed: Bovet Fleurier
–
Watches for the Chinese Market
The first European timepieces appeared in the Far East in the late 13th and 14th centuries, however, it was not until the early 18th century that demand for European watches escalated and pieces were created specifically for the Chinese market. In the 19th century, wealthy Chinese ordered European made pocket watches, to be decorated with elegant enamel motifs. In the 17th century, imperial workshops produced clocks, but the quality of both the movements and the decorations was inferior compared to those made in Europe.
–
Of the European pocket watch makers, the most well-known were Ilbery of London and Bovet Fleurier and Vaucher Fleurier of Switzerland. The watchmakers traveled to Asia, and in some cases settle there, importing watch movements from Switzerland. Enamel work was done separately by Swiss artisan. Just as quickly as Chinese market watches came into fashion, the demand declined due to both industrialization and changing fashions. Many of these enamel pieces by the most well-known and respected makers would not go on to survive in good condition.