Swiss 18 Carat gold and enamel tulip form watch Circa 1810

Gold enamelled form watch with verge escapement
–
An extremely rare 18 Carat gold and enamel form watch, The Mauve Tulip, probably made in Geneva, Switzerland, circa 1810. A tulip shaped case, the petals can be opened. The white enamel dial has Roman numerals for the hours, an outer minute track and steel Breguet hands, whilst the movement is hidden inside the petals of the tulip featuring a verge escapement.
The movement is signed and the watch comes with a key and a suspension of approximately 73 mm long.
–
Dimensions: 44 x 30 mm
–
Signed: Gide Paris
–
The Mauve Tulip is one of the rarest enamel form watches. Only a few examples are known, including a watch from the Sandberg collection. Another identical watch was sold in the 96th auction by Dr Crott auctioned off as lot 53 and raised around € 15.000.
–
Xavier Gide was a pocket watch case maker in Paris during the early 19^th century. He was known for his exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, creating some of the most sought-after watch cases of the era. Gide was born in 1776 in the small town of Besançon, France, which was renowned for its watchmaking industry. He apprenticed with a master watchmaker at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the craft. After completing his apprenticeship, Gide moved to Paris, the centre of French watchmaking, where he established his own workshop. Gide’s work was highly regarded by his contemporaries and he soon gained a reputation as one of the finest watch case makers in Paris. His cases were characterized by their intricate engravings, delicate filigree work, and use of precious metals and gemstones. Gide also experimented with new techniques, such as enamel painting and guilloché engraving, which added to the uniqueness of his creations.

Gide’s clientele included members of the French aristocracy, wealthy merchants and even royalty. His work was also highly sought after by collectors and his watch cases were often displayed as works of art. Despite his success, Gide remained humble and dedicated to his craft, continuously striving to improve his skills and create even more exceptional pieces.
After establishing himself as a prominent casemaker in Paris, Gide expanded his operations to Geneva, a renowned centre of watchmaking excellence, during the early 1800’s, specifically from around 1805 to 1815. This period marked an important phase in his career, during which he further honed his craft and collaborated with renowned watchmakers in the Swiss city. In Geneva, he continued to produce exquisite watch cases, further solidifying his reputation as a master craftsman in the field. His work in Geneva allowed him to collaborate with some of the most skilled watchmakers of the time and tap into the city’s rich tradition of horology, contributing to the legacy of fine Swiss watchmaking.

Unfortunately, much of Gide’s work was lost during the tumultuous periods of French history, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. However, his legacy lives on through the few remaining examples of his craftsmanship that can still be found in museums and private collections around the world. These pieces stand as a testament to Gide’s artistry and the enduring beauty of his creations.