Center seconds cylinder for the Chinese market Circa 1890

Kenmerk: SB0614
Diameter: 33 mm

Estimate: € 4.000 - 8.000
Price sold: € 5.000

Gilt, enamel and pearl set center seconds open faced watch by Bovet Fleurier
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A Swiss gilt, enamel and pearl set center seconds open faced watch made for the Chinese market, circa 1890. Gilt movement with cylinder escapement, mono-metallic balance. White enamel dial, Roman numerals and center seconds. Gilt metal case back, glazed cuvette, back cover finely painted with polychrome enamel depicting a little shepherdess and her goat in a landscape, both bezels and bow highlighted with split pearls. Case and dial signed.
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Diameter: 33 mm
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Signed: Bovet Fleurier
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One of the most successful Swiss horological dynasties, Bovet, was established by four brothers from Fleurier. Three of the brothers, Edouard, Frédéric and Alphonse, had first set up a business in London in 1815, making watches for the domestic market. In 1818, Edouard was hired by the maison Magniac to be a watchmaker for them in Canton. In 1822, having realised the great possibilities of the Chinese market, the Bovets established their own company in China, Edouard remaining in Canton, Frédéric (born 1786) and Alphonse (1788-1850) working out of London and Gustave (1790-1849) out of their home town, Fleurier. Affairs prospered, the name ‘Bovet’ becoming almost synonymous with the word ‘watch’ for the Chinese.

Signed: Bovet Fleurier