UNIVERSAL GENEVA - Lot 252

UNIVERSAL GENEVA Wristwatch in 18K (750 thousandths) gold, opaline dial, gold applique hour markers, gold hands. Helvetia hallmark on one of the lugs. Clipped caseback in 18K (750 thousandths) gold, numbered 1331564/107161, inside signed Universal Genève, made by Jung & Fils (hammerhead hallmark 128). Hand-wound mechanical movement signed Universal Genève, caliber 263. Strap in 18K (750 thousandths) gold, ladder clasp. Watch functional at time of appraisal, without guarantee of future operation or condition of parts. Scratches to case, dial restored. This watch is said to have belonged to the famous artist Tsuguharu Foujita, see below for his owner's testimonial. Swiss work circa 1960 Gross weight 78.4 g Diameter 34 mm, bracelet fits a wrist of approx. 17 cm. "Yukiko KOMIYA was friends with Kimiyo FOUJITA. She helped her with administrative matters, procedures and travel. In 1971, Madame K. FOUJITA, the painter's widow for 3 years, wished to repatriate the remains of her husband, buried in the FOUJITA chapel in REIMS, on land that had belonged to the Sté MUMM, thanks to its president R. LALOU. The chapel was built by R. LALOU with the voluntary help of his godson (FOUJITA) when he converted to Catholicism. The municipality of REIMS objected to the transfer, and retained the services of Me FLORIOT and his associates in its defense. K. FOUJITA won the case and his wishes were respected by the REIMS court. On August 21, 1971, the remains were exhumed and transferred to Villiers-le-Bâcle. In addition to my involvement in the trial and the transfer of the remains, I helped, on a friendly basis, with the sale of the artist's studio, 4 rue Campagne première (Paris 14). To thank me for my help, Madame FOUJITA offered me some lithographs and her husband's watch (Universal Genève), purchased on rue du faubourg st honoré in PARIS. Madame FOUJITA passed away in 2009.