BOVET FLEURIER (SWISS) Sterling Silver 55mm Open Face Chinese Caliber 3x Signed Bovet Dial in Chinese Key Wind

Description

REMARKS: Scarce and very collectible example of a Bovet Chinese Caliber Pocket Watch with Chinese Character Signed Dial, Case and Movement.  Often incorrectly described as the ‘Chinese Duplex’, these pocket watches were made starting from the 1810-1900s almost exclusively from the town of Fleurier, Switzerland.  It’s more accurate to call them ‘Chinese Caliber’ watches as they come in a variety of escapements such as claw-footed duplex, Swiss side-style lever, or even cylinder escapement.  This particular example of Chinese Caliber made by Bovet is a side-style Swiss lever escapement with a compensation balance.  The movement is a highly fancy adorned gilt finish one with blue steel screw and jewel setting parts.  The lever fork on the balanced end has a ruby jewel set in.

CONDITION REPORT: Condition-wise the watch winds and runs and for a pocket watch that is 150+years old we do not offer any guarantee or warranty whatsoever.  Cosmetically the enamel dial has a few very faint hairlines emanating from 17min and 48min markers.  The sterling silver case has it’s inside Bovet Chinese Character hallmark engraving rubbed off a bit so now that mark is harder to see.  There is a deep dent near the bottom hinge of the case on the caseback side.  Movement is a bit dusty but cosmetically it is very good.  Diameter is 55mm.  No box or accessories (no winding key).