Preliminary identification

Antigone Geneve Guilloché Enamel Lapel Watch Brooch

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A charming Swiss-made lady's lapel watch suspended from a matching bow-shaped brooch pin. The case back and bow are decorated with sky-blue translucent guilloché enamel over an engine-turned sunburst pattern, accented with delicate hand-painted gold stars and floral motifs. The white dial features Roman numerals, ornate hands, and is signed 'Antigone Geneve' and marked 'Anti-Shock'.

Story

Swiss watchmakers in the mid-20th century revived Belle Époque lapel watches for fashionable modern women. Worn on a lapel, this piece allowed a lady to check the time with a quick downward glance. The celestial gold stars on sky-blue enamel made it a functional piece of jewelry.

Maker / Origin

The mark 'Antigone Geneve' represents one of the many boutique Swiss watch brands operating in Geneva during the mid-20th century. These workshops specialized in combining reliable Swiss mechanical movements with traditional decorative arts like enameling to appeal to the export fashion market.

Condition & Value

The guilloché enamel on both the watch back and the bow pin appears to be in excellent condition with no visible cracks, chips, or loss. The dial is clean, and the gold-tone metal shows only light surface wear consistent with age. Excellent cosmetic condition strongly supports the value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.