ANTIQUE SILVER-CASED KEY-WOUND POCKET WATCH w/ ORNATE CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL MOVEMENT
AN ANTIQUE SILVER-CASED POCKET WATCH WITH 18K GOLD-SIGNED BALANCE COCK, ORNATE CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMEL MOVEMENT, ATTENDANT KEYS AND FOB Switzerland, 19th Century. Height (case diameter): 6.2 cm. Description: An open-face pocket watch, the case in silver, plain polished exterior with a substantial, ropetwist chain-link watch chain. The white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers, outer minute track with Arabic five-minute divisions, and blued steel spade hands with a subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock.The movement is a superb example of the engraver's and enameller's art: a gilt bridge/cock plate worked in scrolling foliate motifs against a rich royal-blue champlevé enamel ground, jewelled with ruby-set cap jewels, and centred on an elaborately engine-turned, gold-toned balance cock. The balance cock is stamped "18K 0.750" together with a further reference number, indicating the fitting of a gold cock to an otherwise gilt/silver movement a refinement typically reserved for higher-grade or specially-commissioned pieces. The plate additionally bears the signature "ZENITH".The case interior is struck with a group of hallmarks, including a maker's mark, an assay/fineness mark, and numerals (legible as "888" and further partial marks), consistent with 19th-century Continental silver standards.Accompanying the watch is its original heavy curb-link silver watch chain (Albert-style) with T-bar, two decorative watch keys (one signed, floral motif), and a silver fob medallion cast with a figural pastoral scene within a scrolled cartouche border.Historical Context: Key-wound pocket watches of this type, featuring elaborately enamelled and gem-set bridge cocks, were characteristic of the mid-to-late 19th century, when Swiss and French ateliers competed to elevate the movement itself into a decorative object rather than a hidden mechanism. The pairing of a silver case valued for durability and daily wear with a gold balance cock and enamel plate reflects a taste for concealed luxury. The presence of the Zenith signature situates the movement within the output of one of the most established Swiss horological houses, founded in Le Locle in 1865.Comparatives: Comparable 19th-century silver pocket watches with gilt or gold-mounted, enamelled bridge plates by Swiss manufactories have appeared at auction in the low-to-mid four-figure range, with premiums attached to signed movements, complete chains, and original fitted keys.Estimate in USD: $8,400 – $15,000Notes: Case hallmarks are worn and only partially legible in places; readings offered are as observed and not a definitive attribution. The fob medallion and one of the two keys do not bear matching marks to the watch case and may be later or associated additions. General surface wear, scratches, and tarnish are consistent with age and use. Sold as a collector's grouping in as-found condition.
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£100,000.00
AN ANTIQUE SILVER-CASED POCKET WATCH WITH 18K GOLD-SIGNED BALANCE COCK, ORNATE CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMEL MOVEMENT, ATTENDANT KEYS AND FOB Switzerland, 19th Century. Height (case diameter): 6.2 cm. Description: An open-face pocket watch, the case in silver, plain polished exterior with a substantial, ropetwist chain-link watch chain. The white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers, outer minute track with Arabic five-minute divisions, and blued steel spade hands with a subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock.The movement is a superb example of the engraver's and enameller's art: a gilt bridge/cock plate worked in scrolling foliate motifs against a rich royal-blue champlevé enamel ground, jewelled with ruby-set cap jewels, and centred on an elaborately engine-turned, gold-toned balance cock. The balance cock is stamped "18K 0.750" together with a further reference number, indicating the fitting of a gold cock to an otherwise gilt/silver movement a refinement typically reserved for higher-grade or specially-commissioned pieces. The plate additionally bears the signature "ZENITH".The case interior is struck with a group of hallmarks, including a maker's mark, an assay/fineness mark, and numerals (legible as "888" and further partial marks), consistent with 19th-century Continental silver standards.Accompanying the watch is its original heavy curb-link silver watch chain (Albert-style) with T-bar, two decorative watch keys (one signed, floral motif), and a silver fob medallion cast with a figural pastoral scene within a scrolled cartouche border.Historical Context: Key-wound pocket watches of this type, featuring elaborately enamelled and gem-set bridge cocks, were characteristic of the mid-to-late 19th century, when Swiss and French ateliers competed to elevate the movement itself into a decorative object rather than a hidden mechanism. The pairing of a silver case valued for durability and daily wear with a gold balance cock and enamel plate reflects a taste for concealed luxury. The presence of the Zenith signature situates the movement within the output of one of the most established Swiss horological houses, founded in Le Locle in 1865.Comparatives: Comparable 19th-century silver pocket watches with gilt or gold-mounted, enamelled bridge plates by Swiss manufactories have appeared at auction in the low-to-mid four-figure range, with premiums attached to signed movements, complete chains, and original fitted keys.Estimate in USD: $8,400 – $15,000Notes: Case hallmarks are worn and only partially legible in places; readings offered are as observed and not a definitive attribution. The fob medallion and one of the two keys do not bear matching marks to the watch case and may be later or associated additions. General surface wear, scratches, and tarnish are consistent with age and use. Sold as a collector's grouping in as-found condition.
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25% up to
£50,000.00
20% up to
£100,000.00
15% above
£100,000.00
