Double scent flask with integrated watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This 18K gold and enamel double scent flask incorporates a miniature watch. Attributed to Geneva circa 1870 and identified as made for the Oriental market, the object is designed in the form of a Royal seal.
The shaft is ornamented with lengthwise diamond settings separated by fluting, featuring a center section of translucent red enamel over flinqué, decorated with four-petal diamond flowers. The head of the flask is a diamond-set crown, which unscrews to provide access to a scent container. The bottom section, which is diamond-set and engraved, houses a watch movement and covers a second scent container. Winding is performed via an engraved rotating bezel.
The watch component features a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and blued steel spade hands. The nickel movement is shaped with semi-circular wings, utilizing a cylinder escapement and a 10-jewel configuration with a three-arm gilded balance.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Scent flask watch
- Length
- 106 mm
- Material
- 18K gold, enamel, diamonds
- Escapement
- Cylinder
- Jewel count
- 10
- Place recorded
- Geneva
- Winding system
- Rotating bezel
- Movement dimensions
- 11 x 15.7 mm
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with Roman numerals • Diamond-set crown top piece • Translucent red flinqué enamel center band • Integrated gold suspension chain with ring
- Construction and Design
- The object functions as a dual-chambered scent flask. The primary body features an elongated shaft set with rows of diamonds separated by fluting. A central band displays translucent red enamel applied over a flinqué engine-turned surface, adorned with four-petal diamond flowers. A diamond-encrusted crown serves as the cap for the primary scent container. The base of the flask is square-shaped, heavily engraved, and set with diamonds. This section contains the integrated timepiece, which is protected by the base cover. A secondary scent container is accessed through the bottom, while a hinged side panel allows access to the setting aperture.
- Attribution and Condition
- The piece is unsigned and is attributed by the auction description to Geneva, circa 1870. The design, including the use of enamel and extensive diamond setting, is associated with the Oriental market. The piece is accompanied by an attached gold suspension chain featuring a finished gold ring. According to the auction description, the condition is assessed with a grade of AAA for overall quality. Individual components are graded as follows: the case is rated as 3 (Good), the movement as 3 (Good), and the dial as 3-5-01.
- Movement and Horological Mechanism
- The integrated watch movement is specifically shaped with a circular center and semi-circular wings to accommodate the geometry of the flask's base. The movement is constructed of nickel and includes 10 jewels. It is regulated by a cylinder escapement paired with a three-arm gilded balance and a flat balance-spring. A notable technical feature is the winding system. The user operates the watch by rotating the engraved bezel, which is integrated into the base assembly. This mechanism represents an early application of bezel-winding, a design that preceded the patent obtained by M. LeCoultre in 1889.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Unsigned, origin attributed to Geneva
- Research required: Exact intended market for the flask remains a historical attribution