This watch was originally bought by or for my grandmother who lived in China in early 1900 around the time this style of watch was first made so I believe it was new when she obtained it. I do not have specific information on the production date of this watch other than reviewing some history profiles and the current JUVET website.
If you know this watch, then you know these watches can sell for $10,000 to $20,000 in good to excellent condition. This watch has been stored for years and there is rust on the steel hands of the watch. It needs a restoration or servicing of its mechanical parts. Otherwise, its condition is excellent as shown in the pictures. The sale price of the watch will afford you the opportunity to have this watch serviced and restored to full working condition. It is an original and complete watch with key and chain. Leo Juvet was the son of the founder.
This pocket watch might be silver or silver gilt with a guilloche enamel blue background with a centered portrait on each side. The Chinese lettering lists again the brand “Juvet, Youwei.”
JUVET
HISTORY IN CHINA
In 1856,
during the period of China Qing Dynasty, Edouard Juvet began to produce pocket
watches specially designed for the China market. The first JUVET watch shop was
established in Shanghai. JUVET watches
were very successful in China’s flourishing watch market. Two more branches, in
Beijing and Tianjin, were subsequently opened in the next two years.
JUVET
pocket watches’ finely handcrafted and unique artistic style were welcomed by
the royal family members and nobles of the Qing Dynasty. Owning a JUVET pocket
watch is a symbol of nobility. JUVET has since become the emperor’s watch
brand.
Juvet made Silver
Gilt and Painted Enamel Watches for the Chinese Market by 1860. The front with a
painted enamel portrait against a cobalt blue enamel background over engine
turning within an enamel border. White
enamel dial with gold signature and fancy blued steel hands.