An enameled three hammer and three gong minute-repeating pocket watch dubbed "Venus & Cupid - An Allegory of Love" was the pick of the lots at a major timepieces auction in Geneva on March 12.

The circa 1820 watch, like so many beautifully enameled pieces of the era, was created for the Chinese market. It sold for CHF722,500 ($788,300), close to three times its high estimate.

The timepiece is regulated by a Swiss movement attributed to Decombaz, and the case is made by Frères Oltramare.

A gold and enamel singing bird snuff box with concealed watch also performed well. It too was made for the Chinese market, in around 1815. Attributed to Freres Rochat, it sold for CHF362,500 ($390,570) more than twice its high estimate.

The Venus & Cupid - An Allegory of Love pocket watch tripled its estimate

Julien Schaerer, the auction house's managing director, commented: "It is clear from today's results that exceptional timepieces made for the Chinese market continue to be highly sought-after, especially among top Chinese collectors."

Another highlight was a Breguet carriage clock, No. 5017, which was first created around 1831-1832. It sold for CHF122,500 ($131,990). It was offered with its original Breguet key, gold-tooled red morocco leather fitted box, and a certificate.

The large, gilt bronze carriage clock was first sold to Monsieur Le Comte Vladamir Komar in 1853 for 4,000 francs. It features a grande and petitite sonnerie striking, quarter-repeating, pull-wind alarm and calendar.

Entry-level watch collectors may also like to consider this fine timepiece by the Swiss luxury watchmakers, Longines, which we have for sale now.