Rare Swiss gold watch with a miniature portrait Circa 1845

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Kenmerk: SA2736
Diameter: 35 mm

Estimate: € 12.000 - 20.000
Price sold: € 17.450

Gold watch with an enamel miniature portrait
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A fine and very rare Swiss yellow gold open faced watch with an enamel miniature portrait, made in 1845, Lepine style gilt brass movement with cylinder escapement, wolf’s tooth winding.
Enamel dial, Roman numerals, blued Breguet hands, outer minute track, finely engraved cuvette with black champlevé enamel and a finely executed enamel portrait miniature, 18k yellow gold case, engraved back with three cherubs and scrolling leaves, movement signed.
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Diameter: 35 mm

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Signed: Patek & Cie
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This watch is an early example of the very limited production of “Patek & Cie” (1845-1851).It is further distinguished by belonging to an exclusive group of approximately 20 watches produced at that time and featuring a portrait. These are mainly related to the heroic history of Poland, mother country of Antoine Norbert de Patek. The portraits were usually realized by Gaspard Lamunière (1810-1865). A part of this group, including the present watch, features a “hidden portrait” as it is painted on the cuvette. Today, some of the very rare examples of these watches to have survived are preciously kept in the collection of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.The portrait displayed on the present watch is that of Ludwik Kicki (Ludwika Kickiego) 1790-1831.In 1807, Ludwik Kicki enrolled in the new Polish army and quickly became aide-de-camp of General Alexander Rozniecki and thereafter of Prince Jozef Antoni Poniatowski. He was awarded [as was Antoine Norbert de Patek] the “Virituti Militari”, the highest Polish military distinction. He also received the Légion d’honneur from Napoléon.

When Poland was occupied by the Russians and, willing to support his country, he was appointed aide-de-camp of the Grand Duke Constantin, brother of the Tsar Alexander. He then became chamberlain of the Tsar Nicolas.

In 1830, he joined the insurrection to liberate Poland and was appointed General. He defeated the Russians in many battles such as in Grochow, against the renowned Russian cuirassiers. In 1831, he was killed by a cannonball on the battlefield of Ostrolenka.

In recognition of the courage of this national hero, the people of Varsovia gathered in front of his house. Even the Russian police took no action against the gathering as a sign of respect.

With an Extract from the Archives confirming sale in 1847 and a presentation case.

Signed: Patek & Cie