Boucheron - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Boucheron
    Year: 2015
    Reference No: WA021432
    Case No: No. 1/1; No. 21C0075
    Model Name: “Epure Vague de Lumière” Unique Piece
    Material: 18K white gold, diamonds, aventurine glass
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. GP400, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold and diamond-set Boucheron pin buckle
    Dimensions: 41mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and buckle signed. Movement signed Girard-Perregaux.
    Provenance: Only Watch 2015, Geneva, November 7th 2015, lot 37.

  • Provenance

    Only Watch 2015, Geneva, November 7th 2015, lot 37.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A high jewelry interpretation of Hokusai’s 1831 masterpiece, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa, this sparkling and attention-grabbing wristwatch was Boucheron’s entry for Only Watch 2015. It seeks to reinterpret this monumental work of art, all while injecting it with Boucheron’s own jewelry and watchmaking savoir-faire. The wave is a miniature sculpture wrought in 18K white gold and both baguette and round brilliant diamonds, while the water is replaced by polished aventurine glass. Within beats a Girard-Perregaux automatic movement visible through the sapphire caseback.

    The wristwatch was named “Epure Vague de Lumière” or “a wave of pure light”, and engraved on the caseback “Je ne sonne que les heures heureuses”, which translates as “I only ring the happy hours.” These sentiments reflect the ethereal and joyous nature of the timepiece.

    Purchased by the current consignor at Only Watch in 2015 and remaining virtually unworn, the present Boucheron wristwatch presents a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece melding art, watchmaking, and jewelry.

  • Artist Biography

    Boucheron

    French

    The famed jewellery house Boucheron was founded in 1858 by the eponymous Frédéric Boucheron, master jeweller and gem expert. Boucheron was the first jewellery house to appear at the celebrated Place Vendôme, Paris, where the house still exists to this day.

    Boucheron jewels have been exhibited throughout time at some of the most important jewellery expositions, including the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial, the 1889 and 1900 Expositions Universelles (World Fairs) in Paris and the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. With salons located all over the world, Boucheron jewellery continues to be known for its elegant designs and superior finishes.

    View More Works

Σ159

Ref. WA021432
A unique and bedazzling white gold wristwatch with three-dimensional diamond-set and aventurine glass display

2015
41mm Diameter
Case, dial, and buckle signed. Movement signed Girard-Perregaux.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF17,600-35,200
€18,700-37,500
HK$155,000-311,000

Sold for $33,020

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024