"Bovet Pocket Watch For Chinese Market"
Pocket watch with lever escapement for the Chinese market from the renowned manufacture "BOVET", circa 1876.In 1814, Édouard Bovet and two of his brothers, Alphonse and Frédéric, left their hometown to study watchmaking in London.
After a few years, Édouard went to Canton, China in 1818 under the British firm of Ilbury & Magniac as a watch repairer. Aware of the potential of this new, still unexplored market, he formed a company with his brothers in 1820. While Édouard remained in China to take care of sales, Alphonse and Frédéric took care of shipments from London via the East India Company.
Meanwhile, the fourth brother, Charles-Henri, oversees production at Fleurier in Switzerland. Their reputation grew to such an extent that any luxury watch was called "Bo Wei" and synonymous with high-end watches in Chinese daily life.
Unfortunately, the Opium Wars continued to disrupt Bovet's business. Eventually the family sold their stake in the business in 1864. It was purchased by their production inspectors, Jules Jequier, Ernest Bobiller and Ami Leuba. Under the new management, Bovet continues its activities in China. In 1888, it was bought by the Landry Frères who resold it at auction to César and Charles Leuba in 1901. Some time later, it was bought by Jacques Ullmann & Cie, also prosperous on the 19th century Chinese market.
However, it was sold in 1932 to Albert and Jean Bovet. Under their direction, Bovet developed a series of chronograph patents. Unfortunately, the name and facilities passed to Favre-Leuba in 1948, which in turn ceased making Bovet watches in 1950.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Bovet was sold to various investors. The company was acquired by Pascal Raffy, its current president, on February 6, 2001.
Today, it produces high-end artistic watches with a style that refers to its history.
The watch is equipped with an anchor escapement, completely chiseled and engraved. Signed "Bovet" in Chinese.
Original dial with Roman numerals and large central second hand.
Equipped with a glass dust cover which can be opened with a small button.
Equipped with a key for winding and for adjustment.
Solid silver case in good condition, opening with a small button on the crown.
Inside there are the English silver hallmarks and the inscription "Bovet" in Chinese.
Diameter 54mm.
In working order, revised by the watchmaker.
To see the video of the operation of the watch, click on the link below:
https://youtu.be/3iG9Rh97IAA
Payment: Bank transfer, Paypal
Delivery included by express courier.
Shipping throughout the European Union.
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