B.Haas Snel, Paris. An unusual and highly detailed gilt metal, enamel and diamond set concealed watch in the form of a beetle


Date: Circa 1865Movement: Gilt heart form, cylinder escapement, plain 3-arm balance, blued steel screwsDial: White enamel, black Roman numerals, black outer minute track, blued steel spade handsCase: Highly detailed beetle form with black enamel ridged head, diamond set eyes and collar, green enamel wings edged in rose-cut diamonds to conceal dial, detailed base of body hinged to reveal movement, inner concealed frame for momento, cuvette inscribed 'Exposition 1867 B. Haas Snel F'sseur De S. M. L'Empereur, Paris', No.11411Signed: CuvetteSize: 45mm Accompaniments: Fancy link woven chain, key
|The present lot is a lovely example of a shaped watch which were popular in the 19th Century. By offering something different to the more traditional styles of jewellery, they were admired for their intricate details and unusual forms such as animals, flora and skulls. Evoking the appearance of a June bug, a type of scarab beetle, this little timepiece demonstrates an exquisite use of enamel and engraving techniques. The watch is engraved that B. Haas Snel had a Royal Warrant to supply timepieces to Napoleon.