-Bugatti By Mido 1930 Art Deco Radiator Shape Enamel Wrist Watch In 14Kt Yellow Gold
Radiator wrist watch designed by Bugatti.
An extremely rare and unusual deco wristwatch, created in Switzerland by Mido for the Bugatti company. Made during the art deco period in the shape of a automobile radiator grill, back in the 1930. Crafted in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with the logo of Bugatti which is embellished with applications of red white and black enamel and the letters EB, for Ettore Bugatti. Fitted with a hinged snap lid.
History
Between the mid-1920s and the mid-1930s, Mido produced less than a hundred watches for the very famous Bugatti automobile brand. The notable feature of these pieces was their case shaped like the iconic radiator grille on the famous car. They were specially ordered by Mr. Ettore Bugatti to the Mido manufacture, often offered to his best pilots, mechanics and to his family. Bolstered by this success, Mido developed its famous watches for motorists in 1925 and 1926. The brand filed a patent for its watch cases and for some dials inspired by the finest vehicles of the era. These included pocket and pendant watches, all of which mirrored the radiators from a large number of car manufacturers, including: Alfa Romeo, Benz, Bugatti (or EB, for Ettore Bugatti), Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroën, De Dion-Bouton, Delage, Farman, Fiat, Ford, Hispano-Suiza, Lancia, Lincoln, Opel, Peugeot, Pic-Pic, Rolls-Royce and Talbot.
Records
Mido records confirm that the first of the four series of Bugatti watches they produced, was a batch of 54 pieces with serial numbers 200736-200789 inclusive produced in 1925-26. Then three later series, two in gold and one in silver, were produced between 1929 and 1932, and were each of twelve pieces. Of the 90 watches produced fewer than 20 examples are believed to have survived to the present day.
Dial: Cushion shape with linen texture and white enamel, gold Arabic numbers, steel hands. Signed Bugatti.
Movement: Mechanical, manual wind, measuring 10 lignes 1/2 n° 8306 with 15 jewels and lever escapement with 3 adjustments. case ref:163052.
Case: Radiator-shaped case with winding crown at 12, wired lugs, hinged back.
Weight: 29.40 Grams, (18.85 Dwt).
Measurements: 25.5 mm by 47 mm by 6 mm (1.0 x 1.85 x 0.24 Inches), lug to lug.
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold, the reference case number and signed, "BUGATTI MIDO SWISS MADE 14K 163052 DEPOSE". Dial, case, and movement signed.
Other hallmarks: Stamped with German imports marks in all parts.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this wristwatch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: B070223CNNM/.5512
