Swiss rare pair of pocket watches for the Chinese market Circa 1850

Set silver open faced pocket watches by Juvet
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A Swiss rare pair of pocket watches for the Chinese market with original box, spare glasses and original keys, circa 1850. The cases are silver with a glazed movement and a signature with Chinese characters.
The signed dials are white enamel with Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numerals on the outer ring, jumping centre seconds and blued steel hands. They have a gilt bridge movement which is lavishly florally engraved, a screw compensation balance and are keywind.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 64 g
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Signed: Juvet à Fleurier
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Edouard & Léo Juvet à Fleurier
The Juvet family was one of the important Swiss horological families which produced pieces for the Chinese market. Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) opened his workshop in Buttes in 1842 and moved to Fleurier in 1844. In 1856 Edouard started making watches for the Chinese market; both his sons Ami-Louis and Léo eventually went to China to work in the family firm there. After Ami-Louis had died there, Léo (1848-1891) travelled to China to take his place. Only the Bovets rivalled the Juvets in Shanghai – however, the two families always maintained friendly relations. The Juvets flourished with branches in Beijing and Tianjin, to the extent that in 1872 Léo wrote: “Our watches sell like salt”. Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters in 1873, to be used on the company’s products. In November 1875 he granted his son Léo power of attorney; after Edouard’s death in February 1883, Léo succeeded him as head of the firm.
The pocket watches by Juvet with their finely handcrafted and unique artistic style were welcomed by the royal family members of the Qing Dynasty. Juvet has since become the emperor’s watch brand. Owning a Juvet pocket watch is a symbol of nobility.