The Magnifying LensUnsigned

The Magnifying LensUnsigned, Geneva, circa 1820. Amusing and very rare 18 ct. gold and enamel, diamond-set form watch with music on demand, fitted with a magnifying lens, made for the Islamic market. Three-body, with a magnifying lens pivoted at the pendant which retracts into the case. The hinged front cover revealing the dial has a painted on enamel vase of flowers decorated with rose-cut diamonds and a pearl surround. Polychrome champlevé enamel decorates the pendant neck and lens stem. The back polished, the band with blue champlevé enamel. Notes Bautte Lot Cie. (1772-1837)Jean-François Bautte was born on March 26, 1772 in a family of simple labourers and was orphaned at the early age. He was apprenticed at twelve, successively learning the crafts of case-maker, engine-turner, watchmaker, jeweller and gem-setter. He was barely nineteen years old when he put his name on his first watch. Two years later, in 1797, Bautte took as partner the case-maker Moulinié and the firm Moulinié Lot Bautte in 1804 was joined by the watchmaker Jean Gabriel Moynier, the name of theompany then became: Moulinié, Bautte Lot Cie. before being renamed Moulinié, Bautte Lot Moynier.By that time, Bautte was the most important dealer of Geneva. Ruskin (The Works of Ruskin, Vol. 35, Praerita, page 325) reports this story about the celebrated dealer:A visit to Bautte's was made with trepidation, as if one was going to see one's banker. Hardly an indication on the building; a simple brass plate