Watch-Highlight at Sotheby’s in GenevaA creation of Jean-François Bautte seduces Geneva
On 13th November, Sotheby’s Geneva adjudged a very rare pair of gold, enamel and pearl set perfume sprinklers/watches in the form of flint lock pistols with matching keys, made in Geneva about 1806. Extremely beautiful, this lot is attributed to the master watch-maker Jean-François Bautte (the roots of Girard-Perregaux) and his partner Moulinié. It used to be part of the prestigious Sandberg Watch Collection. Estimated at CHF 350'000- 450'000, the hammer price was CHF 855'400.- (with buyer’s premium).
Like all items destined for the Chinese market, these fantasy watches were made as a pair. Although the grip contained a watch, the primary function of this pair of precious pistols was not to tell the time. They were more weapons of seduction, with which their owners could spray their victims with alluring fragrances. The trigger only has to be pressed lightly for the corolla of a flower with artistically enamelled petals to be shot from the end of the barrel. The corolla then opens up, releasing a pistil pierced with tiny holes from which the perfume is sprayed.