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Lot Essay
Edouard Juvet (1820-1883) was one of the most eminent watchmakers specialized in watches for the Chinese Market. He opened his workshop in Buttes in 1842 before moving to Fleurier in 1844.
Edouard's sons Ami-Louis and Léo worked in the family's firm in Shanghai where they were only rivalled by the Bovets. The firm opened branches in Tien-tsin and Saigon and prospered to such an extent that Léo wrote "Our watches sell like salt".
In 1873, Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters which was used for all their products. After his death in 1883, Léo took over the management of the company.
"Simple" watches in plain silver cases but still fitted with the lavishly decorated movement and centre seconds, typical features of the "Chinese Market" watches, were offered at affordable prices to the Chinese general public.
Edouard's sons Ami-Louis and Léo worked in the family's firm in Shanghai where they were only rivalled by the Bovets. The firm opened branches in Tien-tsin and Saigon and prospered to such an extent that Léo wrote "Our watches sell like salt".
In 1873, Edouard Juvet registered a trademark in Chinese characters which was used for all their products. After his death in 1883, Léo took over the management of the company.
"Simple" watches in plain silver cases but still fitted with the lavishly decorated movement and centre seconds, typical features of the "Chinese Market" watches, were offered at affordable prices to the Chinese general public.