Napoleon Bonaparte’s Telescope

An extremely fine late 18th Century gilt brass and enamel 1 1/2-inch three-draw refracting telescope, engraved on the largest draw-tube “J.J. Cambacérès à Napoléon Mai 10, 1800”

(Napoleon Bonaparte)

Napoleon Bonaparte’s telescope

One of the greatest military leaders in history, and emperor of France from 1799 until 1815, he conquered much of Europe. He helped remake the map of Europe and established many government and legal reforms, most notably the “Napoleonic Code”.
According to the engraved inscription on the draw-tube, this telescope was given to Napoleon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) by Jean-Jacques de Cambacérès on 10 May 1800. It was given to him in Geneva on this date as ‘Napoleon had left Paris, to join the blockaded army in. He stayed for 3 nights with de Saussure, studied maps of the St. Bernard, arranged the timetable for the march and made the necessary appointments for the commanders of the advance guard (Lannes) and cavalry (Murat).

It is interesting to note that the famous oil painting depicting Napoleon on a prancing steed (“Napoleon crossing the Alps” by Jacques-Louis David, 1800, oil on canvas, 260 x 221 cms), is from exactly this period, when Napoleon crossed the St. Bernard in May 1800.

Jean-Jacques Cambacérès, a notorious bachelor and heavy smoker of Virginia tobacco, had a preference for subjects “à l’antique”, and his importance for the history of freemasonry should not be neglected. These two characteristics are perfectly reflected in his collection of gold boxes which also witnesses the change of taste in the applied arts in France from the Louis XVI style to Neoclassicism and Empire.

Fifteen fine enamel snuff boxes from Cambacérès’ collection were sold at Christie’s Geneva on 15 November 1994.

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Filed under: Gold, Napoleon Bonaparte, Vintage, Watch, Watches

Bulgari Rettangolo

Inspired in the 1930s and Art Deco, Bulgari Rettangolo is a representation of a classic watch, yet it looks very contemporary. This is the only timepiece with a rectangular case in Bulgari collection. It comes in gold or steel with Bulgari engraved logo at six o’clock position and with elegantly designed dial. The chronograph and date indicators, finely positioned on the vertical or rectangular treated dial, together with bold Arabic numbers underline the exceptionally-clear-cut-case geometry. Bulgari Rettangolo are designed for elegant men and women.

Filed under: bulgari, Bulgari Rettangolo, bulgari watches, Bvulgari, Gold, Rectangular Case, Ref., Stainless Steel, Watch, Watches, Water resistant, Womens

Cartier La Doña Watch

Creative and very feminine, the Cartier La Doña is a variation of the contemporary fashionable womens watch with its new links and bracelet and a modified oval-shaped case. It looks classic due to the strong Cartier identity of blue steel sword-shaped hands and bold Roman numerals on a white or silver dial. The Cartier La Doña is available in steel or yellow, white, red 18K gold, but never two-tone: May come on a metal or leather bracelet. It is available in two sizes: large, 27mm x 29mm case; and small 22mm x 22.50mm case. Both sizes may have round-shaped diamonds on the bezel. An octagonal crown, set with a diamond or faceted spinel, has a triangular shape and completes the particular style of the case. The bold links of the bracelet with the braiding effect give a strong and a bit extravagant mood to this collection. The Cartier La Doña comes with a Swiss made quartz movement, a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters.

Filed under: cartier, Cartier Watch, Diamonds, Gold, Leather Strap, luxury watches, Metal Bracelet, Octagonal Crown, Oval Case, Quartz Movemen, Roman Numerals, Watch, Watches, Womens

Cartier Santos Watch

The Cartier Santos watch was born in the beginning of the 20th century when the Brazilian aviator and Louis Cartier‘s very good client and friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont, asked Cartier to design a good timepiece only for him. He wanted a very reliable watch, with an easy-to-read dial, that could accompany him during his flights and could express the freedom of movements and harmony of all the elements. The Cartier Santos watch is manufactured in steel and gold or combined, with or without precious stones, and can come on metal or leather skin bracelet. The bracelet has a simple design combined with the rectangular rounded corners and harmony in the lines and colors. It feels extremely comfortable on the wrist. The Cartier Santos watch has a clearly readable white dial that has bold black Roman numerals, a tiny date indicator or chrono sub-dials, and luminescent black oxidized-steel sword-shaped hands for increased visibility at night. It may carry quartz or automatic movement. The Cartier Santos watch is available in 4 different sizes: Cartier Lady watch: 22mm case; Cartier Man watches: 28mm case; large 33mm case; extra-large: 43mm case. The Cartier Santos collection includes: Santos Demoiselle, Santos Dumont, Santos 100 and Santos De Cartier Galbee. All other Cartier Santos watches are water-resistant to 30 meter.

Filed under: cartier, Cartier Santos, Gold, Leather Strap, Mens, Metal Bracelet, Precious Stones, Ref., Roman Numerals, Steel, Watch, Watches, Water resistant, Womens

Cartier Tank Watch

The Cartier Tank Francaise watch, introduced in 1917 during the First World War, was Cartier‘s most famous collection. Louis Cartier was inspired by the tough new war-machine, that was introduced to the fighting in Europe, and designed a rugged yet beautiful watch that became a classic. The Cartier Tank watch is manufactured in stainless steel, all types of gold or combined, and is available in three sizes: Cartier lady watches, with a 25mm x 20mm case; mid-size with a 31mm x 25mm case; and Cartier man watches with a 35mm x 29mm case. The case is rectangular, may be decorated with diamonds and has a cabochon crown; the dial is very easy-to-read and has bold roman numerals; the bracelet has rectangular links combined in a particular pattern-design that is similar to the tank’s track. Though the Cartier Tank watch is a classic formal watch, it is very reliable, and is also water-resistant.

Filed under: Cabochon Crown, cartier, Cartier Tank Watch, Cartier Watch, Diamonds, Gold, Mens, Rectangular Case, Roman Numerals, Stainless Steel, Watch, Watches, Water resistant, Womens

Cartier Roadster watch

The Cartier Roadster watch is a very elegant and innovative timepiece. Its particular oval case combines elegant lines with bold and sturdy style. It gives the impression of an extremely reliable watch. Indeed it is! Water-resistant, manufactured of the best quality metals, highly polished steel or all types of gold, it has a very shiny oval case with a prominent polished metal cabochon crown completing and highlighting its particular fresh and forceful design. The Cartier Roadster watch oval highly decorated dial with luminescent sun-ray effect is very distinctive and has prominent bold Roman numerals. Some Cartier Roadster watches come with an easy removable metal bracelet, additional leather straps, and the deployant clasp can fit both bracelets. This makes Cartier Roadster watch switch from a big formal to a sporty style watch. The Cartier Roadster watches are available for Mens (40mm) and Womens sizes (36mm). Cartier Man watches comes in three versions: Chronograph, GMT and Solo Tempo with automatic movements. Cartier Lady watches are available in Solo Tempo with quartz movement only. This collection transmits strength and power for people with a vigorous spirit.

Filed under: cartier, Cartier Roadster, Deployant Clasp, Gold, Leather Strap, Mens, Metal Bracelet, Oval Case, Roman Numerals, Stainless Steel Strap, Watch, Watches, Water resistant, Womens