19th Century 18K Gold and Enamel Book-form Watch

Inventory Number: PW1905012

Made in France by Charles Oudin circa 1850, 32 x 27mm, 18K gold case in the shape of a book. The front cover with blue enamel fitted with a watch and the back cover is blue enamel with a diamond cross. A heart-shaped caliber with cylinder escapement. 

There is the Lord’s prayer written on a small porcelain panel inside the book: 

“Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom comes,

Thy Will be done in earth,

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evil.

A- Men.”

About Charles Oudin

Charles Oudin, a renowned watchmaker and student of Breguet, who had established his workshop in Paris at the Palais Tribunat in 1804, after that his son and posterities also run the watch-making business by using his name.

Form Watch

Form watches can be worn around the neck, carried in pockets, or used as brooches. Watchmakers were full of creativity, they got inspiration from a wide range of things to make these timepieces, such as fruits, flowers, animals, musical instruments, books, and even crucifix. Thus during the 18th and 19th centuries, they were very attractive and popular portable timekeepers for ladies and gentlemen of certain social statuses.