Piguet auction house in Geneva is proud to announce the sale of a previously unseen treasure of Russian Imperial craftsmanship: a desk clock in gold, enamel, silver, and pearls, signed by Fabergé and created in 1907 by master goldsmith Henrik Wigström, the renowned craftsman of the illustrious House. Beyond its artistic excellence, this piece stands out for its prestigious provenance, having been presented as a gift during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II and subsequently passed down through the descendants of H.M. Queen Astrid of Belgium to the present day. This remarkable historical artifact will be offered at auction for the very first time during a special sale on Thursday, June 19 in Geneva — both in person and live online!
The Fabergé standard – A signature of excellence
This rectangular desk clock stands out with its gold frame delicately edged with a frieze of heart-shaped motifs (rais-de-cœur) and enhanced by a sumptuous blue guilloché enamel decoration featuring garlands of leaves, alternating with vertical white enamel fluting highlighted in gilding. The white dial, encircled with a pearl-set border, is adorned with black Arabic numerals and finely pierced rose gold hands with elegant scrollwork.
Stamped with the marks H.W. and Fabergé, this piece exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of the Russian Imperial Court, combining technical mastery with timeless elegance. The House of Fabergé, the ultimate symbol of imperial luxury and sophistication, is renowned for its unparalleled standards of quality, precision, and ornamental innovation. Each creation from its workshops was crafted for a highly select elite. Gold pieces such as this clock were typically destined for members of royal or imperial families.
An Exceptional Provenance
This luxurious gold desk clock comes from H.M. Queen Astrid of the Belgians (1905–1935). She received it from her mother, Princess Ingeborg of Denmark (1878–1958), niece of Empress Maria Feodorovna, born Dagmar of Denmark. It is believed to have been gifted in 1908 on the occasion of the princess’s 30th birthday and was subsequently passed down through generations to the present day.The clock was exhibited during the major “Fabergé” retrospective at the Kunsthalle in Munich in 1986–1987, on loan from H.R.H. Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte of Luxembourg, daughter of Queen Astrid.
The piece encapsulates the intimate history of Europe’s royal families and the elegance of Russian imperial style.
Bernard Piguet, auctioneer of the sale and founder of Piguet Auction House, states: “It is a incredible privilege to earn the trust of Europe’s greatest aristocratic families, but also a great responsibility to find the right setting so that these prestigious objects may continue their journey with a new owner worthy of their history.”
ABOUT PIGUET AUCTION HOUSE
Nearly 15,000 artworks and objects, ranging in value from CHF 300 to CHF 1.5 million, are sold each year by the Geneva-based auction house founded in 1978. With a team of over 30 professionals, Piguet offers the expertise and energy of its specialists to organize high-quality auctions on the international stage, attracting buyers from around the world and ensuring top results for sellers.
The house is active in numerous fields, including paintings, jewelry, watches, musical instruments, luxury leather goods, Asian art, and fine wines & spirits. Specialists are available to provide confidential, no-obligation advice and valuations, whether for sale, inheritance, appraisals, or inventories.
More information at: piguet.com
For more details, please consult our brochure: https://issuu.com/hoteldesventes/docs/piguet_plaquette_15_ans_pour_issu?fr=sMTFiNDk4MzAzNg