Van Cleef & Arpels and Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Van Cleef & Arpels and Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1924
    Movement No: 32'692
    Case No: 27'690
    Material: Platinum, diamonds and pearl
    Calibre: Mechanical, 6RPT 14/12
    Dimensions: 110 mm. length and 10 mm. width
    Signed: Case signed Van Cleef & Arpels with Van Cleef & Arpels hand stamped numbers, movement signed Audemars Piguet

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch represents a masterpiece in collaboration with three world renowned firms combining their skills, techniques and superior level of craftsmanship. Audemars Piguet, Van Cleef & Arpels and Henri Picq produced this exceptional diamond-set pendant watch, which combines horology, spectacular gem-setting and seamless construction into one.

    Founded in 1875 by watchmakers Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet is one of the oldest watch manufacturers and still owned by the original family.

    Van Cleef & Arpels was founded by Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef and in 1906, they opened their famous boutique at 22 Place Vendome, directly opposite to the Hotel Ritz in Paris. The years that followed, the pair successfully made Van Cleef & Arpels associated with the most exquisite jewelry in the world.

    While the name Henri Picq may seem foreign to many, Picq's jewellery workshop in Marais was one of the most important ateliers during the early 20th century. Starting from 1900 throughout the 1920s, Henri Picq & Fils created some of the most exquisite gem-set platinum jewellery, most notably for their biggest clients- Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels. The jeweler was especially well known for creating 'Tutti-Frutti' jewels, his workmanship is next to none. The Picq workshop was also well known for the special process they applied to platinum, which added an additional look and style. Their ability to set diamonds into stone mountings and delicate designs were extremely well regarded. Henri Picq created a Cartier 'Tutti-Frutti' bracelet which was displayed and highlighted at the 1925 Paris Exposition Universelle.

    Comprised of French, baguette circular and rectangular-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5 carats, this pendant watch was created by Picq & Fils for Van Cleef and Arpels. Produced in 1924, this watch was manufactured at the peak of Henri Picq's career. Picq most notably produced platinum-set Tutti Frutti masterpieces for Cartier among other jewelers. At auction in May in 2014, a brooch manufactured by Picq and retailed by Cartier sold at auction for a staggering 17.8 million USD.

    The present pendant watch has been crafted with the highest quality, shimmering in a way that only vintage platinum-set jewellery can. A beautiful and delicate single button pearl acts at the crown, which truly finishes off the look of this masterpiece.

    The movement of this watch is furthermore manufactured by Audemars Piguet, who created the very best movements at the time for their most esteemed clients.

    This masterpiece represents a true ingenious collaboration by three of the most respected names in the field of horology, jewelry and design. The present pendant is exceptionally executed and can be considered a masterpiece.

334

An exceptionally fine, rare and highly important platinum and diamond-set pendant watch with pearl, made by Henri Picq

1924
110 mm. length and 10 mm. width
Case signed Van Cleef & Arpels with Van Cleef & Arpels hand stamped numbers, movement signed Audemars Piguet

Estimate
HK$550,000 - 750,000 

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016