This is unrestored and came into the collection in the 1970s. Made by the Swiss firm Bovet Fleurier for the Chinese Market circa 1870. A rare and unusual find for a piece in this condition seeking a new caretaker to restore and love for another generation. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE LISTED ANOTHER CHINESE DUPLEX WITH ONE OF THE MOST UNUSUAL ENGRAVED CASES ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET WITH A TRAIN AND PADDLE WHEEL.
CASE: the outer case is silver open faced and has C.F.L., the serial number 902 and hallmarks (I could not read). In the center of the inside of the outer case is a Chinese engraving that translates to Bovet. There is an inner case with an ornate silver bezel that is missing a crystal. This exhibition window on the inner case allows you to open and view the movement. From there you can open the Bezel and wound and set the time. The case closes tightly but opening the watch can be difficult and the latch man need some attention.
SIZE: The ring around the movement is 49 mm +/- and the outsider diameter of the case is 55 mm.
DIAL AND HANDS: dial appears to be as near perfect as one this age could be. I could see no hairlines under a loop. The second hand and minute hand are there but the hour hand is missing. Inside of case in in very fine condition and appears almost as it came from maker.
CONDITION: Does not run. When I tried to wind movement it immediately wound down. The cap jewel appears to be missing. The balance moves freely and seems to want to keep going even though it has no power.
REFERENCES: Baillie, Watchmakers and
Clockmakers of the World Volume 1 page 35 references Bovet - watches from
Bovet in London or Fleurier sent to China in large quantities, made until 1864;
Fleurier is a town 17 miles west-southwest of Neuchatel
Wikipedia has a history of Bovet
Fleurier SA at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovet_Fleurier
Wikipedia has a listing for Edouard Bovet at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89douard_Bovet
Bovet has a web site with the history related to this style
off watch they produced at:
http://www.bovet.com/the-maison/history/1797-1835/
Although I have
had an interest in watches and horology for years, I am not a watch repair
expert, but I do have a long history of the study of horology. I try to
provide the most complete and honest information possible and accurate
descriptions in my listings about each watch. This can include conclusions
based on my research and general knowledge. However, it is up to any potential buyer to
review the information and be satisfied that it is accurate before offering
to purchase. All watch material is sold as is. It may
take a while but there is more watch material coming. Thanks
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