Gold and Enamel Beetle Form Watch, 1880

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Exuding the opulence and intricate craftsmanship of the late 19th century, the Gold and Enamel Beetle Form Watch from 1880 is a stunning testament to Swiss horological artistry. This exquisite brooch watch, meticulously fashioned in the shape of a dazzling beetle, features a keyless gilt bar movement with a suspended going barrel, complemented by a plain cock with a polished steel regulator. The timepiece showcases a plain three-arm gilt balance, a blue steel spiral hairspring, a polished steel cylinder, and a steel escape wheel. Its small white enamel dial, adorned with Roman numerals and blue steel hands, is elegantly revealed by pressing a button in the tail, which opens the translucent green enamel wings. The beetle’s head is encrusted with diamonds, and its eyes sparkle with diamond brilliance, while the finely chased and engraved legs add to its lifelike appearance. The watch also includes a small gilt winding crown and an oval glazed frame inside the hinged cover, perfect for a miniature portrait. The diamond-set gold and enamel loop completes this piece, making it not only a functional timepiece but also a luxurious piece of jewelry. Measuring 27 x 60 x 18 mm, this watch is in excellent condition and stands as a high-quality collectible, with a similar piece featured in “The Technique and History of the Swiss Watch.” This is a beautiful late 19th Century Swiss brooch watch made in the shape of a dazzling beetle. It has a keyless gilt bar movement with a suspended going barrel, featuring a plain cock with polished steel regulator. The watch also has a plain three arm gilt balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring, polished steel cylinder, and a steel escape wheel. The small white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, with the twelve marked in red, and has blue steel hands. The case of this exquisite brooch watch is made of fine gold and enamel, with translucent green enamel wings that open by depressing a button in the tail to reveal the dial. The head of the beetle is diamond set, and its eyes are made of diamonds. It has a small gilt winding crown, and the underside of the beetle has finely chased and engraved legs applied to the hinged cover. Inside the cover, there is an oval glazed frame for a miniature portrait, and the gold and enamel loop is diamond set for a chain. This is a high-quality, attractive piece that is in excellent overall condition. A similar watch can be found on colour plate 30 in The Technique and History of the Swiss Watch. This item measures 27 x 60 x 18 mm. Anonymous Swiss Circa 1880 Dimensions 27 x 60 x 18 mm