As the aviation world celebrates the pioneering spirit of Maurice Bellonte, a unique opportunity emerges for collectors. Three exceptional watches, originally presented to the French aviator Maurice Bellonte in honor of his monumental achievements in the early 20th century, are set to be auctioned at Boule on July 4.
Maurice Bellonte
Maurice Alexis Jacques Bellonte, born on October 25, 1896, in Méru, France, was a renowned French aviator known for setting multiple flight distance records. In 1929, along with Dieudonné Costes, he set the world record for the straight-line distance between Paris and Manchuria, China, covering 4,192 miles (7,905 km). Most remarkably, the following year, the two made the first westbound non-stop crossing of the North Atlantic from Paris to New York on board the Breguet XIX 'Point d'interrogation'. Many aviators had attempted this feat and many had lost their lives. While Lindbergh had already conquered the Atlantic in 1927, his west-east route was more favorable due to strong winds. Bellonte and Costes were the first to complete the flight against prevailing winds, taking 37 hours and earning them the Légion d'honneur and the American Liberty Bell insignia, among many other aeronautical honors.
Celebrated with a parade in New York, Bellonte and Costes received many gifts for their achievement, including these three exceptional watches, each made in duplicate to honor their success.
Boucheron, no. J205778B (hand-engraved), donated by the City of Paris, 1930.
This exquisite white gold dress pocket watch, bearing the serial number J205778B, was gifted by the city of Paris and presented upon their return. Crafted in two copies, one for Bellonte and the other for Costes, this watch features a silver metal dial adorned with blue and red enameled circles and PARIS NEW YORK indexes. The engraving on the edge reads “City of Paris to Bellonte September 1-2, 1930.”
The case back is enameled in red and blue with a question mark set with 8/8 diamonds, echoing the name of their plane, "Point d'Interrogation." It features a very fine unsigned white rhodium-plated mechanical movement with côtes de Genève decoration and a pendant winder. Encased in its original leather box signed by Boucheron and topped with the coat of arms of the City of Paris, this watch offers a unique opportunity to acquire a museum-worthy piece.
Vacheron Constantin for Mauboussin, No. 128032, Mvt. 411114, 1930.
An exceptional creation by Vacheron Constantin for Mauboussin, this hexagonal dress watch, numbered 128032, was also made in duplicate. The silver dial is marked with the historic dates "September 1 and 2, 1930," and features a red enameled minute track, Arabic numerals, white gold Breguet hands, and an engraved bezel with “Bellonte” at 6. The white rhodium-plated mechanical movement is signed Vacheron Constantin.
The case back is enameled with the distinctive "?" symbol, a homage to their aircraft. Housed in a red leather case with Bellonte's initials, this watch is another museum-worthy piece that showcases the excellence of Mauboussin and Vacheron Constantin.
Longines, No. 611370, Mvt 3805870, presented by the City of Philadelphia to Maurice Bellonte on October 9, 1930.
Presented by the city of Philadelphia on October 9, 1930, this 14K white gold pocket watch, numbered 611370, was also made in two copies to celebrate Costes' and Bellonte's flight. The watch features a silver dial with an external minute track, blue, white, and red enameled indexes for PARIS NEW YORK, and stylized blued steel hands. It has a two-tone sandblasted gold case-back depicting their plane, “Le Point d’Interrogation,” above the Atlantic Ocean, connecting the two continents, with an engraved dedication by the Mayor of Philadelphia. The plane, as well as the map positions of Paris and New York, are decorated with 8/8 diamonds. It contains a white rhodium-plated manual winding movement (17.89M), with the crown at 12. It comes in its original green leather case with gold ornamentation, depicting the arms of the city of Philadelphia and the name of the goldsmith and jeweler “S.Kind and Sons, Phila.”
Boule's Watches & Clock auction on July 4 will take place at the iconic Hôtel Hermitage in Monte Carlo at 6 p.m. and will offer about 75 spectacular timepieces. Other highlights include a compass watch that once belonged to the French aviator Louis Blériot and more modern pieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, among many others. Viewing before the auction is available online now or at the Hôtel Hermitage from Wednesday, July 3 to Thursday, July 4 until 8 p.m.
