Russian 14 carat gold imperial presentation watch Circa 1907

Gold gift watch from Tsar Nicholas II
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A remarkable Russian 14 carat yellow gold hunting cased pocket watch made by Pavel Buhré, Supplier to the Imperial Court, circa 1907. This watch features a manual wound mechanical lever movement, consistent with the high standards of Pavel Buhré’s celebrated Saint Petersburg manufacture, holder of the Imperial warrant during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II (1896–1917). The white enamel dial features Roman numerals for the hours, an outer railway minute track with Arabic five minute numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and spade hands. The glass is missing.
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The case front is applied with a guilloché decoration of the Russian Imperial double headed eagle, surmounted by a slightly lacking blue enamel ribbon. The whole forms an unmistakable symbol of Imperial favour and distinction. The case shows slight dents consistent with its age. Accompanied by the original red leather presentation box, itself decorated with the Imperial eagle, a rare survival that considerably enhances the historical integrity.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Weight: 87 g
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Signed: Pavel Buhré Fournisseur de la Cour Impériale
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This watch is of exceptional provenance and historical significance. It was presented by Tsar Nicholas II to Christian A. Reinberg (1871–?) in 1907, in recognition of a service rendered four years earlier: in August 1903, during an Imperial stopover at the Alexander III harbour in the fortress of Liépava (present day Latvia), Reinberg, then responsible for the port’s telecommunications, ensured uninterrupted communication between the Imperial yacht and the shore throughout the stay of Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. The watch passed directly to the recipient’s descendants, in whose possession it remained until the present sale.
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Similar Imperial presentation watches by Pavel Buhré are illustrated in The Russian Imperial Award System, U. Tillander-Goldenheim, Helsinki, 2005, p. 208 (nos. 86 & 88). Expertised by Maxime Charron.