The Bold and the Beautiful

The horology world is often one where beauty meets practicality and Zenith have created a very special watch where both of these components collide in the most wonderful way. 

In 1865, at the tender age of 22, a watchmaker by the name of Georges Favre-Jacot founded a small factory which would become the famous Swiss watchmaker as we know it today. During this time period, the pocket watch was the timekeeper of choice and they often featured a mechanical movement known as a ‘fusee’ which in Latin translates to ‘spindle full of thread’. This type of movement was originally used in clockmaking and although nobody can say for sure who invented it, it can be dated all the way back to c.1430 as a clock believed to belong to Phillipe The Good, Duke of Burgundy, is currently on display at the German National Museum. 

Everything about the fusee movement is complicated, from the geometry, to the manufacturing process and today it is considered to be one of the most impressive watchmaking feats possible which highlights the skill of the handful of watchmakers that can still create these mechanical marvels. 

Lot 750 in the 20 September Watches Auction is an incredibly rare Zenith Academy Georges Favre-Jacot wristwatch in eighteen carat rose gold. Created to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the brand and limited to only 150 pieces worldwide, this watch hit the market in 2015 after two years of research and development and caused much excitement in the horology industry. 

The masterpiece showcases the unmistakeable fusee movement and delicate chain which is 18cm long and consists of 575 tiny links. The mechanism is held in place by steel bridges and makes this powerful movement mesmerising to look at. With such a dramatic feature, the rest of the dial is kept simple and clean with the subsidiary seconds dial between 7 and 8 and power reserve indicator between 4 and 6. Featured in the seconds dial is the Zenith logo complete with their guiding star logo. The reverse of the watch is also visible, covered by sapphire crystal, meaning that you are able to view the famous high frequency El-Primero 4810 movement from all angles. The addition of blued steel hands compliment the 45mm rose gold case beautifully and the brown crocodile strap with brushed rose gold buckle completes this simple but elegant colour palette. 

With such an exceptional watch, it would be a crime to have anything less to house it in. This watch comes with an impressive lockable display case and is accompanied by the outer box and papers stating the date of purchase to be 2016. 

This rare and intriguing watch has never been offered at McTear's before and comes with an estimate of £25,000 - £30,000. This bold and beautiful watch would be an amazing addition to any serious watch collectors’ inventory. 

McTear’s is the only auctioneer in the country to hold regular, dedicated watches auctions. These six-weekly events showcase watches with estimates ranging from £50 to £50,000. With a truly international audience bidding live online, watches are able to reach their full market potential.

To view the Watches catalogue click here  >>

Amy Cameron

Do you have watches to sell? You are invited to come along to us any time Mon-Fri 8.30-5pm. Alternatively call Amy on 0141 810 2880 or email Amy@mctears.co.uk.