Watchmakers from Geneva, Paris and Blois initiated trade relations with the Ottoman Empire in the beginning of the 17th century. Soon after, a colony of Geneva watchmakers was settled in Galata, a district of Constantinople reserved to the Westerners.

Among these colonials was Isaac Rousseau, the father of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, presented in Les Confessions as “horologer du sérail”, meaning ‘’watchmaker at the service of the Sultan I’’.

Brand:

SWISS

(unsigned)

Made:

1840's

Model:

N/A

Reference:

N/A

Calibre:

N/A

Movement:

Manual

Material:

18ct yellow gold

Features/complications:

Open face case with gold and enamel featuring enamel detailing around the circumference, surrounding the dial and on the bow. Centre of case back painted with enamel scene depicting a boat on the river Bosphorus at sunset. Gilded dust cover with apertures for winding and setting

Dial:

White enamel dial with outer minute track featuring

Eastern Arabic numerals with steel skeletonised hands.

Case dimensions:

Diameter 46 mm | Thickness 10 mm

Bracelet/strap:

N/A

Accessories:

N/A

SKU:

2244

Burlington Arcade · Mayfair, London