Gilt centre seconds watch for the Chinese market Circa 1860

Kenmerk: SB0623
Diameter: 57 mm

Estimate: € 20.000 - 40.000
Price sold: € 42.300

Gilt, enamel and pearl set open faced centre seconds watch by Edouard Juvet
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A Swiss gilt, enamel and pearl set open faced centre seconds watch made for the Chinese market, circa 1860. Finely engraved gilt duplex movement. Gilt cuvette. White enamel dial, Roman numerals and outer minute track. Polychrome enamel to the case back depicting a man on horse back hunting a tiger, both bezels and bow set with split pearls. Movement signed.
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Diameter: 57 mm

Signed: Edouard Juvet Fleurier
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The Juvets were one of the most important Swiss horological families to work for the Chinese market in the 19th century. In 1844 Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) moved his workshop the short distance from his base at Buttes to Fleurier, a town that became synonymous with watches made for the Chinese market. Edouard began making watches for the Chinese market in 1856 and his son, Ami-Louis, travelled to China to work locally for the family firm. Following his death Ami-Louis was succeeded by his brother Léo (1848-1891). In Shanghai the Juvets only serious competitors were the Bovets, yet the two families maintained friendly relations. The Maison Juvet prospered and further branches opened in Tien-tsin and Saigon. In 1873 Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters which was then used on the company’s watches. Edouard granted his son Léo power of attorney in November 1875 and, after his death in February 1883, Léo succeeded him as head of the firm.

Signed: Edouard Juvet Fleurier