.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Offered for the first time at auction and extremely well preserved, this delightful Art Deco enamelled and jewelled pendant watch is testament to the skill of Swiss enamellists in the 20th Century. Very much in the manner of celebrated enamellist Charles Poluzzi, the case back is very finely painted with a landscape in the style of the early 19th century Geneva artists.
The enameling of watch cases such as this requires not only consumate ability as an artist but great technical prowess. Of particular beauty in the present watch is the use of translucent opalescent enamel to create the effect of a shimmering golden sunset. This would have required the gold case back to be first engine-turned to create the sunrays, then fired with translucent opalescent enamel, the painting was then done on top and fired again many times at very high temperatures until each color was applied.
During each firing in the kiln the enamel is liable to be spoiled at any moment and therefore each finished piece is highly prized due not only its intrinsic value but the many days and weeks of work the artist devoted to their creation.
Furthermore, the bezel and dial of the present timepiece are enamelled to complement the case back and the whole then embellished with diamonds and pearls to stunning effect.
E. Gübelin
Founded in 1854, the company has always been a family enterprise. Located in Lucerne, Switzerland, Gübelin has been manufacturing and retailing superior quality watches and clocks ever since.
The enameling of watch cases such as this requires not only consumate ability as an artist but great technical prowess. Of particular beauty in the present watch is the use of translucent opalescent enamel to create the effect of a shimmering golden sunset. This would have required the gold case back to be first engine-turned to create the sunrays, then fired with translucent opalescent enamel, the painting was then done on top and fired again many times at very high temperatures until each color was applied.
During each firing in the kiln the enamel is liable to be spoiled at any moment and therefore each finished piece is highly prized due not only its intrinsic value but the many days and weeks of work the artist devoted to their creation.
Furthermore, the bezel and dial of the present timepiece are enamelled to complement the case back and the whole then embellished with diamonds and pearls to stunning effect.
E. Gübelin
Founded in 1854, the company has always been a family enterprise. Located in Lucerne, Switzerland, Gübelin has been manufacturing and retailing superior quality watches and clocks ever since.