Swiss - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Condition Report

  • Description

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  • Manufacturer: Swiss
    Year: Circa 1900
    Movement No: 594
    Case No: 38’755
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 20’’’ movement, jewelled
    Dimensions: 56mm diameter
    Signed: Case and movement numbered; Cuvette signed by retailer
    Provenance: Christie’s Geneva, 20 May 1992, lot 148

  • Provenance

    Christie’s Geneva, 20 May 1992, lot 148

  • Catalogue Essay

    From 1890 until mid 20th century, the Indian market flourished with Swiss-made timepieces, as royalty and aristocracy from the Indian subcontinent traded in luxury goods, particularly pocket watches.

    In some instances, photographs were provided to artisans to render enamel portraits of the Maharajas or noblemen commissioning the watches. Some pieces featured intricate engravings on the case, while others, like the present watch, have been preserved in their original condition. M.J. Pack, a key importer in Bombay, also operated a retail store in Paris, supplying French and Swiss-made pocket watches to India.

    Technically impressive, this heavy gold watch is housed in a hunter case and is captivating in its own right. Boasting a minute repeater, triple calendar, and chronograph, this sophisticated grand complication timepiece is likely made for the distinguished collector seeking an elegant and practical piece without overwhelming decorations.

    Featuring a detent escapement, the balance wheel is particularly noteworthy, featuring a blued steel helical hairspring—an exceedingly rare attribute seldom found in contemporary timepieces. Another known example, just one movement and case number away, shares the same configuration but includes engravings on the hunter case.

    Extremely well-preserved, this watch showcases crisp engravings on the cuvette, with deep and intact hallmarks. The domestic gold Helvetica hallmark with a small "L" indicates that the piece originated from Le Locle. Having been kept in a private collection for over three decades since its last public appearance, this timepiece represents a remarkable chapter in horological history.

1011

A fine and well-preserved yellow gold minute repeating triple calendar chronograph chronometer keyless pocket watch with hunter case, moon phases, Roman numerals, detent escapement, helical hairspring and enamel dial, retailed by M.J. Pack, Bombay, made for the Indian market

Circa 1900
56mm diameter
Case and movement numbered; Cuvette signed by retailer

Estimate
HK$145,000 - 290,000 
€17,100-34,200
$18,600-37,200

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024