69,000 CHF
“The Smoker” Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 494502, case No. 381516, Ref. 4118/6993, enamel by C. Poluzzi. Made in 1964. Very fine and rare 18K yellow gold and painted on enamel keyless dress watch. Accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity. Three-body, "bassine", the back with finely painted on enamel scene taken from Adriaen Brouwer’s “Smoking Men” c. 1637, polished border, band and bezels. Gilt, “sunburst”, applied gold faceted bâton and vertical Roman hours, subsidiary seconds. Gold "bâton" hands. Cal.17’’’ 439, rhodium plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, stamped with the “Seal of Geneva”, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, Breguet balance-spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 46 mm. Notes Watches such as the present one, with very finely painted on enamel scenes executed by Geneva’s master enamelers were always unique pieces made in only one example. Carlo (also Charles) Poluzzi (1899-1978) Born in Seveso, Italy, he moved to Geneva with his family as a child. He specialized in painted on enamel portraits and landscapes, in the style of works from earlier periods. In 1914, Poluzzi became an apprentice at the “Fabrique d’émaux de Genève”, while also pursuing studies at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. He obtained his diploma in 1918 and became a “chef d’atelier” during the next several years. In 1921, Poluzzi became naturaliz
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2005-04-03