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Lot Essay
US$10,000-15,000
Made for the Turkish market, the present watch is a typical example of Daniel de St. Leu's fine craftsmanship, featuring impressive, lavishly decorated gold cases and a self-striking movement.
Daniel de St Leu (active 1753-1797), of Genevan origin, manufactured some of the most exquisite and elaborate watches of the eighteenth century. Gaining royal favour, he was appointed to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III in 1765, a title he held for the rest of his life since all his watches after this date are either signed 'Sevt. to her Majesty', or 'Watch Maker to her Majesty'.
He also specialized in the manufacture of watches for wealthy Ottoman customers, requesting their watches to be pieces of jewellery, preferably in richly decorated gold cases, occasionally set with diamonds. During the 18th century, the export of English watches to Turkey operated on a large scale. R. Rolt records in 'A New Dictionary of Trade and Commerce', 1756, "Great quantities of watches are exported to Asia, particularly to Turkey; where they serve more for ornaments like pictures in rooms, than for use in pockets."
Made for the Turkish market, the present watch is a typical example of Daniel de St. Leu's fine craftsmanship, featuring impressive, lavishly decorated gold cases and a self-striking movement.
Daniel de St Leu (active 1753-1797), of Genevan origin, manufactured some of the most exquisite and elaborate watches of the eighteenth century. Gaining royal favour, he was appointed to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III in 1765, a title he held for the rest of his life since all his watches after this date are either signed 'Sevt. to her Majesty', or 'Watch Maker to her Majesty'.
He also specialized in the manufacture of watches for wealthy Ottoman customers, requesting their watches to be pieces of jewellery, preferably in richly decorated gold cases, occasionally set with diamonds. During the 18th century, the export of English watches to Turkey operated on a large scale. R. Rolt records in 'A New Dictionary of Trade and Commerce', 1756, "Great quantities of watches are exported to Asia, particularly to Turkey; where they serve more for ornaments like pictures in rooms, than for use in pockets."