GOLD AND ENAMEL BEETLE FORM WATCH – 1880

This is a beautiful and intricately designed late 19th Century Swiss brooch watch in the shape of a beetle. The watch has a heart-shaped keywind with a gilt bar movement, a polished steel cylinder, a steel escape wheel, and a small white enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals. The watch's three-arm gilt balance has a blue steel spiral hairspring and a plain cock with a polished steel regulator.

The beetle-shaped case is made of fine gold and enamel and features diamond and pearl-set translucent red enamel wings. The wings can be opened by pressing a button in the tail to reveal the watch's dial. The head of the beetle is chased and engraved with champleve black enamel, and the eyes are represented by green stones. The underside of the beetle is realistically portrayed with finely chased and engraved legs that are applied to the hinged cover.

This brooch watch is in excellent overall condition and comes with an oval gold loop for a chain. A similar watch can be found in colour plate 30 of The Technique and History of the Swiss Watch. Overall, this is a high-quality and attractive piece that would make a wonderful addition to any collection.

Anonymous Swiss
Circa 1880
Dimensions 28 x 51 x 17 mm
Materials Enamel
Gold