Swiss gold quater repeater with repoussé case Circa 1895

Gold lady’s pendant watch
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A very fine Swiss, rare and unusual, 18K gold keyless lady’s pendant watch, circa 1895. In 18th century style with repoussé case signed G. Hantz. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives. Made for C. Fredenbagen, Agent General, Buenos Aires. Bezel chased with scrolls and foliage, a hinged back cover decorated with a scene of Hercules and Omphale within a scroll and shell border, signed by G. Hantz. Hinged gold cuvette.

White enamel dial, Breguet numerals, outer minute track. Gold Louis hands. Rhodium-plated movement, Geneva striping decoration, 19 jewels, wolf’s tooth winding, straight-line moustache lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator. Dial, movement and case signed.
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Diameter: 34 mm
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Signed: Patek, Philippe & Cie.  Genève
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Hercules and Omphale In punishment for murdering his friend Iphitus in a fit of madness, Hercules was sold as a slave to Omphale, queen of Lydia, for three years. She made him her lover. Hercules is often represented seated beside Omphale who is caressing him. Often the two lovers are depicted as having exchanged attributes, with Omphale wearing Hercules lion’s skin and holding his club, while he is draped in colourful robes and holds a distaff or spindle. Cupid is often present. The subject was not favoured in classical Greek art, perhaps because it shows the hero in an effeminate way, but it is found in Hellenistic times. In Renaissance and particularly Baroque painting, it illustrates woman’s domination of man. Georges Hantz An engraver and chaser from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his decorated watch cases. He became the Director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Geneva.