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The “Neptune” enamel dial by Nelly Richard & Stern Frères
During the early 1950s enameller Nelly Richard and renowned Fabrique de Cadrans Stern Frères of Geneva produced a small quantity of dials (probably just a little over ten) depicting Neptune riding his chariot.
Most were mounted on Omega Seamaster watches, but a few were on Rolex watches.
Let's have a comprehensive look.
A/ OMEGA SEAMASTER
1/ EXAMPLE FROM THE OMEGA MUSEUM IN BIEL/BIENNE (link)
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Automatic” below
credit: watchphotos.com
2/ MOVEMENT NO. 12'337'146
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & no text below
1/ EXAMPLE FROM THE OMEGA MUSEUM IN BIEL/BIENNE (link)
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Automatic” below
credit: watchphotos.com
2/ MOVEMENT NO. 12'337'146
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & no text below
No painted minute markers
Sold by Antiquorum
credit: Antiquorum
The following photos are probably from another example (authentic?), but, like the example above, there is no text below the applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock and no painted minute markers.
credit: tokeibakai.exblog.jp
3/ MOVEMENT NO. 12'337'147
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
Sold by Antiquorum
credit: Antiquorum
4/ MOVEMENT NO. 12'430'172
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
Sold by Antiquorum
NB: as jmousey suggests in his comment, the authenticity of this one is really questionable.
credit: Antiquorum
5/ MOVEMENT NO. 13'232'096
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
Sold by Christie's & Antiquorum
credit: Christie's & Antiquorum
Sold by Antiquorum
credit: Antiquorum
The following photos are probably from another example (authentic?), but, like the example above, there is no text below the applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock and no painted minute markers.
credit: tokeibakai.exblog.jp
3/ MOVEMENT NO. 12'337'147
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
Sold by Antiquorum
credit: Antiquorum
4/ MOVEMENT NO. 12'430'172
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
Sold by Antiquorum
NB: as jmousey suggests in his comment, the authenticity of this one is really questionable.
credit: Antiquorum
5/ MOVEMENT NO. 13'232'096
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
Sold by Christie's & Antiquorum
credit: Christie's & Antiquorum
6/ MOVEMENT NO. 13'232'097
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
credit: Christie's
The “live” photos below seem to belong to the same example, but I'm not certain.
credit: @havanasun
7/ MOVEMENT NO. 13'737'795
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
Sold by Sotheby's & Bonhams
credit: Sotheby's & Bonhams
8/ THE ONLY ROSE GOLD EXAMPLE?
All the examples above are in yellow gold, whereas this one is in rose gold.
It was sold by Christie's in Hong Kong on May 28th, 2018, but it isn't listed anymore on their website.
Applied Omega logo at 6 o'clock & “Omega Chronomètre Automatic” below
credit: Harmmond Wong (Christie's Asia) aka @harmmondwong
Now, let's have a look at the three Rolex examples.
B/ ROLEX
1/ REF. 8323
Sold by Phillips
credit: Phillips
2/ REF. 8382
Sold by Phillips & Christie's
Thanks for looking.
Best, Emmanuel
The “Neptune” enamel dial by Nelly Richard & Stern Frères
During the early 1950s enameller Nelly Richard and renowned Fabrique de Cadrans Stern Frères of Geneva produced a small quantity of dials (probably just a little over ten) depicting Neptune riding his chariot . Most were mounted on Omega Seamaster watches...
As always dear Emmanuel!
Wonderful and well thought post. I’m really glad you bring about these wonderful and interesting watches for all of us to enjoy. And also the nuances of collecting this pieces. Wonderful and many thanks. René
My pleasure. How the same dial was commissioned by Omega and Rolex
is quite surprising. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for putting this bit of history together.
I don't collect this type of watch, but I enjoy seeing them, so this is a great read. I that the second Omega "logo no text" is so clean, and the Rolex pieces likewise. It really lets the art stand out.
Thank you, Steve.
I find it surprising and interesting that the same dial wal commissioned by Omega and Rolex. Best, Emmanuel
1950s cloisonne enamel dials are amazing
The Stern company made many of these. The artists would make sketches and the dial maker would shop them at the various brands. Some were true comission mission pieces, like the Omega observatory ref OT2699 and some Coat of Arm models, but many could be s...
Thank you so much!
I'm impressed by the accuracy of your observation, and reading your comments is fascinating. I think you're absolutely right on all counts. Regarding example no. 4, in particular, I had serious doubts, but since it was sold by Antiquorum, foolishly, I did...
