Guex a Paris basket-form pendant watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1840
This pendant watch is attributed to the maker Guex a Paris and is dated to circa 1840. The object is constructed in 18K gold and features an intricate design fashioned as a basket of flowers.
The exterior is finished with scarlet flinque enamel, while the spring-loaded covers are decorated with blue enamel and high-relief painted flowers. The handle of the basket is finished in red flinque enamel. Internally, the watch is powered by a hinged gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars and a verge escapement. It utilizes a fusee with chain, a plain brass three-arm balance with a flat spring, and a regulator.
The back plate features a gilt brass continental cock equipped with a polished steel end-piece. The watch measures 47 x 36 mm and includes a white enamel dial with Breguet numerals and blued steel Breguet hands.
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
- Date
- circa 1840
- Dial
- White enamel with Breguet numerals
- Type
- Pendant watch
- Hands
- Blued steel Breguet hands
- Maker
- Guex a Paris
- Origin
- Viennese
- Material
- 18K gold and enamel
- Dimensions
- 47 x 36 mm
- Movement Type
- Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement
- Place recorded
- Viennese
- Maker / attribution
- Guex a Paris
Design
- Visible features
- • The watch is shaped as a basket with a basket-weave texture on the body. • The lid features three-dimensional floral elements. • The handle of the basket is arched over the center. • The dial is concealed by the spring-loaded floral cover.
- Movement and Mechanics
- The internal mechanism is a hinged gilt brass full plate movement featuring cylindrical pillars. Power delivery is managed via a fusee and chain system. Timekeeping regulation is handled by a verge escapement paired with a plain brass three-arm balance, a flat spring, and a regulator mechanism. The back plate is signed by the maker and includes a gilt brass continental cock. This component is fitted with a polished steel end-piece. The auction description notes that the movement currently exhibits signs of oxidation and requires a professional overhaul for functional performance.
- Case and Aesthetic Design
- The object is a pendant watch designed in the form of a flower basket, measuring 47 x 36 mm. It is a three-body construction rendered in 18K gold. The exterior surface of the basket body displays a textured weave, treated with scarlet flinque enamel. The top of the basket incorporates a spring-loaded cover system, finished in blue enamel. This cover is ornamented with high-relief painted flowers, which provide the primary visual decoration of the piece. A red flinque enamel handle arches over the top, completing the basket appearance.
- Dial and Reported Condition
- The watch face consists of a white enamel dial featuring Breguet-style numerals. The time is indicated by a set of blued steel Breguet-style hands. The auction house reports that these hands are replacements. According to the grading system provided in the lot description, the case is considered fair and identified as later than the original components. The dial is listed as having undergone replacement work.
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: The auction description reports the movement is slightly oxidized and recommends an overhaul.
- Research required: The auction description indicates the hands are replacements.
- Research required: The auction description grades the case as fair and notes it is later than the original.