Duponchel a Paris

Duponchel a Paris, circa 1840 Very fine and rare, 18K gold and inlaid work of "pietra dura" watch with matching charm. Three body, "forme collier", by Leopold Secheret ( Master Mark) the back with a fine marquetry of blood-stone, lapis lazuli, nephrite and white jade, set in a rosette pattern, the band set with the same alternated stones. Gold screwed cuvette. Slightly eccentric, made of a mosaic matching that of the back, with Roman numerals on black champleve enamel ground. Gold Breguet hands. Notes The Breguet watch No. 4821, sold to Prince Demidolf on October 3rd, 1842, for 2500 Francs, was set with a case and dial made by Morel, which can be compared with that of this watch. It was sold by Antiquorum in ITong Kong on May 28th, 1984, lot No. 89. A watch by Lepaute with a similar case, was sold by Antiquorum in Hong Kong in June 1993, lot No. 383. As distinct from Italian "pietra-dura " inlaid work, in which the stones arc assembled together in a frame, here each inclividual piece of hard stone has a gold frame, similar to cloisonne work. These cases and dials are not only remarkable for their workmanship, but it was also exceptionally difficult to make them so thin, particularly the dial. To date, less than ten other watches of this type are known to exist.