Swiss gold, enamel and pearl set watch by Bovet Circa 1830

Kenmerk: SA1788
Diameter: 57 mm

Estimate: € 25.000 - 50.000
Price sold: € 60.250

Gold, enamel and pearl-set watch made for the Chinese market
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A Swiss 18k gold, enamel and pearl-set watch made for the Chinese market circa 1830, ‘Chinese Caliber’ duplex movement with gilt bridges engaved overall with scrolls, pierced balance cock decorated en suite, steel three mono-metallic balance, with blued steel halberd-style weights.
White enamel dial, Roman numerals, the bezels both pearl-set, the back panel polychrome enameled with a burst of summer flowers against an opaque powder blue ground.
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Diameter: 57 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