Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Rare gold “savonnette” pocket watch by Pavel Buhré — the renowned Supplier to the Imperial Court. The case, crafted in 14K (585) gold, is adorned with a finely engraved and partially enameled double-headed Imperial eagle of Russia set against a guilloché background. The inner cover bears the engraved inscription “Pavel Buhré, Supplier to His Majesty’s Court” and serial number No. 19830.
White enamel dial with Roman numerals, minute track, and subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock. Manual-wind mechanical movement of superior craftsmanship, assembled in Buhré’s workshops in St. Petersburg and Neuchâtel.
Accompanied by the original 18K (750) gold chain with geometric links of refined workmanship.
Marks: Maker’s mark “Pavel Buhré” and Russian Imperial assay marks (56 and 84), engraved inscription “Supplier to His Majesty’s Court” on the inner cover.
Dimensions: Diameter 5 cm.
Weight: Watch 92.9 g; chain 23.9 g.
Condition: Case with even patina, light dents, and traces of age. Minor enamel wear. The movement was in working order at the time of cataloguing.
Provenance: Private collection.
The name Pavel Karlovich Buhré became synonymous with horological excellence in Imperial Russia at the turn of the 20th century. Founded in St. Petersburg in 1815, the firm masterfully combined Swiss precision with Russian artistic design, creating timepieces that embodied both technical mastery and imperial elegance. By 1899, the company held the prestigious title of “Supplier to His Imperial Majesty’s Court” and produced watches for the Tsar, the military, and high-ranking officials.
Models bearing the double-headed eagle were among the firm’s most distinguished creations, often commissioned as presentation or award pieces symbolizing loyalty and service to the Empire. The guilloché and enamel decorations reflected the refined aesthetics of the late Imperial period, while the Neuchâtel-made movements guaranteed precision and reliability.
The present example, serial number No. 19830, belongs to the 15,000–25,000 production range, dating it to circa 1900–1903 — a period marking the peak of Buhré’s success under Emperor Nicholas II. During these years, the firm won multiple international awards and solidified its position as Russia’s foremost watch manufacturer.
Comparable examples are preserved in the collections of the State Hermitage Museum, the State Historical Museum, and several Swiss museums. This watch stands as a testament to Imperial craftsmanship and serves as a rare artifact of the cultural and technological achievements of late Imperial Russia.
Good overall condition. Case with even patina, light dents, and minor signs of wear. Slight enamel rubbing consistent with age. Dial intact without cracks. The movement was in working order at the time of cataloguing; professional servicing is recommended.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
