Nathaniel de Rothschild (1812–1870)
1830. It is possible that the watch was sold
alongside the dissolution of the Princess’
marriage. Even more possible is that the
Princess liquidated her assets to fund her
lavish lifestyle. She also famously sold the
famous “Potemkin Diamond”, which was
purchased by the Emperor Napoléon III
for his wife the Empress Eugénie.
Banker-Winemaker-BusinessmanPhilanthropist Nathaniel de Rothschild
was a third generation member of the
Rothschild dynasty. A member of the
English branch of the Rothschild family,
he also founded Château Mouton
Rothschild in Bordeaux, France.
The Rothschild Empire mainly
accumulated its wealth through banking,
but the Rothschild family also produced
scientists, inventors, lawyers and
HK WATCHES_NOV15_420-575_bl_CS5.indd 479
academics. By the 19th century, also
known as the gilded age, the Rothschild
dynasty controlled an enormous portion
of the banking industry in Europe.
Our research suggests that the Baron
was fascinated by jeweled and horological
pieces. Several of the Baron’s pieces have
appeared on the market such as a late
Ormulu clock attributed to James Cox.
The present watch was resold to Baron de
Rothschild in 1835.
22/10/15 11:40