348 - IWC / International Watch Co. - Ernst Fuchs Scarabaeus

IWC / International Watch Co. - Ernst Fuchs Scarabaeus A rare, limited-edition Schaffhausen pocket watch with a hunting case, "Scarabaeus-Fuchs"; case decoration based on designs by the famous artist Prof. Ernst Fuchs of Vienna Movement No. 2358626, Ref. 5420, Cal. 9826F, Case No. 2300686, Dimensions 56 mm, circa 1982, Limited to 201/5000, Weight 161 g, Origin: Switzerland, Original box, Accessories Case: Sterling silver, gold-plated, inner lid with engraving, glazed movement. Dial: Gold-plated. Movement: Bridge movement, elaborately engraved, lever escapement, Glucydur screw balance. The front of the case features a swirling pattern symbolizing day and sunlight; in the center sits a scarab beetle, a creature of the day that faces the sun (“The scarab beetle has the iridescent colors of a rainbow. It reveals the spectral composition of sunlight,” Prof. Fuchs). The back is decorated with a central embossed face surrounded by stylized stars, symbolizing night (“The reverse side is the opposite of the scarab: the night. It is the light of the stars and the reflected light of the moon, of the dead stars,” Prof. Fuchs). The dial features a carved depiction of the sun framed by a chapter ring with engraved Arabic numerals. The exquisite movement showcases elaborately hand-engraved gilt bridges adorned with swirls. Ernst Fuchs (1930–2015) was an Austrian painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, architect, stage designer, composer, poet, singer, and one of the founders of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, in working order, cleaning recommended.