Girard-Perregaux. A rare and unusual 18K gold, enamel and diamond-set crucifix-form watch

SIGNED GIRARD-PERREGAUX, CHAUX-DE-FONDS, NO. 47'365, CIRCA 1870

Details
Girard-Perregaux. A rare and unusual 18K gold, enamel and diamond-set crucifix-form watch
Signed Girard-Perregaux, Chaux-de-Fonds, No. 47'365, circa 1870
Gilt-brass cross-shaped cylinder movement, gold cuvette engraved Exposition Universelle Paris 1867, small circular white enamel dial, blue Roman numerals, outer red Arabic five minute divisions, paste-set bezel, crucifix-shaped case, chased top with polychrome enamel religious symbols, hinged reverse with engraved and inlaid white enamel Hail Mary, case numbered, cuvette signed and numbered, dial signed
39 mm. wide & 63 mm. overall length

Brought to you by

Dr. Nathalie Monbaron
Dr. Nathalie Monbaron

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Lot Essay

According to the Archives of Girard-Perregaux, the manufacture of the present crucifix-form watch can be dated to around 1870.

Crucifix-form pendant watches first appeared in the 16th century and have been used throughout centuries by religious dignitaries and believers.

The cuvette of the present watch features one of the medals won by Girard-Perregaux at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris, the limited space not allowing showing also the second medal obtained at the event.

The World Exhibition took place from 1 April to 31 October 1867 with 50,226 exhibitors and was attended by 9,238,967 persons (including exhibitors and employees). At the time, the Exposition Universelle was the largest international exhibition ever held. These world expositions were especially focused on trade and famous for the display of technological inventions and advancements, bringing together state of the art science and technology from around the world.

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