Swiss pair of silver watches for the Chinese market Circa 1890

Pair of silver centre seconds lever watches by Edouard Juvet
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A pair of small Swiss keywinding, silver lever pocket watches with centre seconds and open face, made for the Chinese market, circa 1890. These watches feature fully chased movements made from gilded brass, equipped with a going barrel, cylinder escapement, a monometallic balance (also in gilded brass), and a blued steel flat hairspring. They have white enamel dials adorned with narrow Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, blued steel centre seconds, and original blued steel ovoid hands. The cases are polished, round shaped, and silver. The dials, movements, and cases are signed with Chinese characters.
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Comes with two original keys bearing the inscription Léo Juvet Shanghai, two glasses, and an embossed red morocco case featuring the signature Léo Juvet. Mainly equipped with a central second hand and finely chased movements, these timepieces were sold in pairs according to Chinese custom.
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Diameter: 38 mm
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Signed: Edouard Juvet
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The Juvet family was one of the most renowned names in the Swiss watchmaking industry, particularly known for this type of watch. Edouard Juvet established himself in Buttes in 1842 and relocated his workshop to Fleurier in 1844. It was in 1856 that production for the Chinese market commenced. His sons, Ami-Louis and Léo, travelled to Shanghai, where the Bovet company had been established, producing pieces for this market as well. As the company expanded, Juvet moved to Tianjin and Saigon. In 1873, Edouard Juvet registered his signature in Chinese characters (Yu Wei) as a trademark, which was subsequently reproduced on the watches. This signature can be found on the dials, movements, keys, and cases of both pieces auctioned, as well as in the previous lot. This set is accompanied by glasses and winding keys, which were difficult to find in China at the time, and carries a subsequent numbering.