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Renaissance Revival Watch and Chatelaine by Boucheron

  • This 19th-century gold and silver octagonal watch was crafted by Alfred Menu for Boucheron
  • Crafted in the Renaissance Revival style, it is marked by precisely pierced gold in a foliate motif
  • The watch and a small seal hang from a silver and gold mounted leather strap known as a chatelaine
  • Menu's gold pieces were distinguished by their Renaissance-inspired designs and architectural motifs
  • Get complete item description here
Item No. 31-4324

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Description
This 19th-century gold and silver octagonal watch was crafted by Alfred Menu for the famed House of Boucheron. Exhibiting meticulously etched and pierced decoration in a classically inspired foliate motif with putti, it is a luxurious example of the Renaissance Revival style. The watch itself possesses a charming pink gilt dial with gold hands pointing to blue enamel Roman numerals and a red enamel sunburst at its center. 

The watch and a small seal. . .
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This 19th-century gold and silver octagonal watch was crafted by Alfred Menu for the famed House of Boucheron. Exhibiting meticulously etched and pierced decoration in a classically inspired foliate motif with putti, it is a luxurious example of the Renaissance Revival style. The watch itself possesses a charming pink gilt dial with gold hands pointing to blue enamel Roman numerals and a red enamel sunburst at its center. 

The watch and a small seal hang from a silver and 18K gold mounted leather strap known as a chatelaine. The word comes from the French for “lady of the castle,” and they were originally chains attached to the waistband or belt from which one would carry each household key in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 19th century, they became fashionable among women of the upper classes as a means to carry items needed during their daily routines such as watches, sewing tools or vinaigrettes. 

Alfred Menu was an esteemed jeweler and skilled craftsman who began his career as an apprentice to Louis Benoist in 1840 before catching the attention of Boucheron who brought him on as a freelance jeweler to supply works for the firm’s retail spaces. By the time this watch was created circa 1883, Boucheron occupied four arcades in the fashionable Palais-Royal shopping district, and they had won the Gold Medal during the Exposition Universelle. Menu's superbly executed gold pieces with their Renaissance-inspired designs and architectural motifs were a natural fit for this luxury jewelry maison.

Circa 1883

Signed “Boucheron Paris, no. P 312 and 175”

7“ length
Watch: 31mm diameter

Literature:
Néret, Gilles, Boucheron: Four Generations of a World-Renowned Jeweler, Rizzoli, 1988, p. 39, ill. 67.
Neret, Gilles. Boucheron: The Jeweller of Time. Lausanne, Office du Livre, 1993, p. 21, ill. 17.
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Renaissance Revival Watch and Chatelaine by Boucheron
Maker: Boucheron
Period: 19th Century
Origin: France
Type: Pocket Watches
Renaissance Revival Watch and Chatelaine by Boucheron
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.