Lot 473. Gem-set and diamond bracelet-wristwatch, Ostertag, circa 1930. Estimate 95,000 — 140,000 CHF. Lot sold 206,500 CHF. Photo: Sotheby's 2012
The straps set with meandering vines of carved emeralds, sapphires and rubies, accented with marquise-shaped, circular-, and single-cut diamonds, the square-shaped dial within a cushion-shaped case pavé-set with circular-cut stones and flanked with bands of buff top calibré-cut emeralds, length approximately 165mm, case signed Ostertag made in France, and numbered, French assay mark.
Property of a noble family.
Note: Exclusive Swiss born Parisian jeweller Arnold Ostertag opened his salon in the Place Vendôme in the first half of the twentieth century. Much like the finest jewelers of that era, he too was fascinated by the lavish aesthetic of the Far East, and was particularly taken with Chinese and Indian motifs. The masterpieces in his boutique reflected this interest, and works such as this bangle demonstrate the inspiration he drew from exotic far away lands.
Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, Geneva, 14 Nov 2012