Notebook with Watch

Location: Switzerland, Geneva

Materials: gold, translucent and painted enamel, diamonds, leather and paper the watch with cylinder escapement movement

Dimensions: 1.6 x 8.2 x 6.9 cm

Accession Number: SW 455

Other Notes:

Both covers of the notebook are mounted with spring-hinged oval panels, revealing a watch below the jeweled bouquet and a glazed aperture for a photograph beneath the plaque painted with L'agréable leçon. A propelling pencil acts as a pin to hold the covers shut. The creation of objects with multiple functions had been one of the specialities of Genevois goldsmiths since the late 18^th century.

In form and style this notebook is reminiscent of a work that was exhibited in London in 1862, of which J.B. Waring observed: ‘M. Rossel’s box, in the shape of a book-cover, showed an exceedingly tasteful application of enamel-work and jewellery in gold, the centre spray being formed of diamonds.’

Bibliography:

Haydn Williams, Enamels of the World: 1700-2000 The Khalili Collections, London 2009, cat. 21, p. 61.