Gold Swiss verge honoring Frederick the Great Circa 1774
- Kenmerk
- BB0366
- Diameter
- 44 mm
- Estimate
- € 5.000 - 10.000
- Price sold
- € 10.500
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A remarkable Swiss vari coloured gold, diamond and enamel verge watch honoring Frederick the Great by Abraham-David Perret-Wattel à Valingin, Neuchâtel, circa 1774. Gilt full plate movement, tapered cylindrical pillars, verge escapement, adjustable potence, fusee and chain, pierced bridge chased with scrolls, coqueret. White enamel dial, Roman chapters, rose cut diamond half hour markers, Arabic minute ring, white gold scroll hands set with rose cut diamonds. Consular case, diamond push piece, back set with diamond crown above enamel portrait of Frederick the Great within border of diamonds and flanked by figures of Minerva and Mars above a trophy of arms, all on matted ground, glazed gilt metal outer case. Movement signed. 19th Century gold scroll work key, associated later leather box.
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Diameter: 43.5 mm
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Signed: Abraham-David Perret-Wattel à Valingin
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The present watch is not only a fine example of 18th century watchmaking but also an important document in the history of the watchmaking industry of Neuchâtel and in particular, the role played by Frederick the Great of Prussia.
Prussia began its rule of the Principality of Neuchâtel when, in 1707, the house of Orléans-Longueville, which had ruled since the early 1500’s failed to produce an heir. After a period of diplomatic intrigue, Neuchâtel passed to the Protestant King Frederick I in Prussia of the Berlin-based Hohenzollern dynasty in a personal union. This meant that, in effect, he was an absentee monarch, ensuring that the Protestant religion as well as the language, customs and local government of Neuchâtel were preserved. He was succeeded by his son Frederick II who ruled 1740-1786.
The son, better known as the ‘enlightened despot’ Frederick the Great, was deeply interested in the art of horology and saw the economic benefits of the watch trade. He appealed to the watchmakers of Neuchâtel in his attempt to establish the industry in Berlin. With Frederick’s encouragement, watchmaking prospered in Neuchâtel, giving it a firm foundation for future growth.
The signature on the watch refers to the watchmaker Abraham-David Perret (1742-1822) and his wife Suzanne-Marguerite Wattel (1740-1808), who he married in 1770. Valangin, a community a short distance from the town center of Neuchâtel was the seat of the local ruling council as well as the site of the Civil and Criminal Courts.
An important citizen, Perret held the position of justicier [justice of the peace] and had been granted the title of maître bourgeois giving him an active role in the government.
In recognition of his stature in the community, in 1770 and again in 1774 Frederick appointed Perret the sovereign’s personal representative or Gouverneur, of Neuchâtel, the only official in the principality not required to be a Prussian subject.
Dating from this period, the watch was Perret’s homage to Frederick. Finely made, the case bears a likeness of Frederick the Great, taken from the well-known portrait by Johann Heinrich Christian Franke (1738-1792) which widely circulated as a print. The image is crowned with diamonds and flanked by the figures of Mars and Minerva signifying Strength and Wisdom. The Trophy of Arms refers to Frederick’s victories on the battlefield.
Literature: Sassard, H. and Yves Gay. Au temps de Voltaire…Une montre Neuchâteloise à l’Effigie de Frédéric II de Prusse. Bulletin ANCAHA No. 74 (1995).
Signed: Abraham-David Perret-Wattel à Valingin
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