109th Auction
2023/11/18
Lot 325
Bovet
A collection of 2 silver pocket watches for the Chinese market
A large pocket watch with lavishly florally hand-engraved movement, jumping centre seconds and duplex escapement for the Chinese market
A large pocket watch with lavishly florally hand-engraved movement, jumping centre seconds and duplex escapement for the Chinese market
Sold
estimated
2.000—3.000 €
Price realized
2.500 €
specific features
Case
Silver, case maker's punch mark "JDB".
Dial
Enamel.
Movement
Bridge movement, hand-engraved, keywind, standing barrel, duplex escapement, screw compensation balance.
Case no.540 505
Diam.62 mm
Circa1860
Ctry.Switzerland
Wt.132 g
Edouard Bovet born in Fleurier, Switzerland in 1797, son of a local master-watchmaker, Jean-Frédéric Bovet. In 1814 Edouard Bovet leaves Fleurier with his brothers Alphonse and Frédéric to work as a watchmaker in London. 1818 Edouard Bovet's employer, the Magniac company, sends him to Canton, the only Chinese port open to Western trade. Since 1822 Bovet, now living in Canton, founds a partnership company for the China watch trade. Business booms, and the company quickly transfers production to Fleurier.