French gold rose knob form cylinder brooch watch Circa 1890

Gold and diamond set brooch watch
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An extremely rare rose knob form brooch watch probably made in France, circa 1890. Crafted from 18 carat gold it is shaped as a rose with movable petals and leaves, the case has a spherical form like a Boule de Genève and the leaves are set with large rose cut diamonds. The small white enamel dial has blue Arabic hour numerals, a red 12, outer minute markers and gold spade hands. The movement has a cylinder escapement. Winding and time setting is done by turning the inner case and the brooch on the back.
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Length: 61 mm
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Weight: 50 g
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Signed: No name
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In 1990, a comparable piece was auctioned in Basel, Switzerland, with an estimated price of CHF 20.000. The maker of these brooch watches was probably Benoit from Geneva.