Twelve Blue Sunburst Enamel Medallions, c.1900
Twelve individual blue sunburst enamel medallions encircle the white enamel face, one radiating behind each Arabic numeral - a decorative technique fashionable in Belle Époque Switzerland around 1900, when the great export manufacturers competed for the attention of a style-conscious European clientele.
The dial carries the signature of Baldomero Marín of Villena, a jeweller from the Alicante region of Spain who imported quality Swiss movements and had them signed to his name - a standard practice in the export trade of the period. The piece pairs the dramatic dial with a three-body full hunter case, ornate floral engraving on the back, and a gilt movement.
That movement is announced on the inner lid: Echappement Perfectionné / Marche Garantie, flanked by five exhibition medal stamps - the manufacturer's way of advertising their prizes from the great horological expositions of the age. The lever escapement runs well with a satisfying tick, and the push-piece setting mechanism is a quality feature found on better Swiss movements of the period.
The case is Metalor VAR Déposé - a registered gilded brass alloy from Metalor, the Le Locle precious metals firm established in 1852. Not gold, but presenting beautifully as gold, with bold floral engraving on the back that remains crisp after 125 years.
Minor chips to the white enamel dial background - honest age wear. All twelve blue chapter rings are intact. The crystal is clear. Running well.
A rare and visually distinctive example of decorative Swiss export watchmaking.
