Geneva, Nov 05, 2022
LOT 123
J. REGNIER PRE-BALANCE SPRING ROCK CRYSTAL
CHF 20,000 - 40,000
EUR 20,600 - 41,200 / USD 19,900 - 39,800 / HKD 158,000 - 314,000
Sold: CHF 32,500
Very fine and rare octagonal rock crystal pre-balance spring, single-hand pendant watch. Back carved from a single piece of a rock crystal, faceted on the outside, mounted in a gilt frame engraved on the edge with repeated pattern, faceted rock crystal top mounted in en suite bezel, tulip pendant with loose ring, small finial. Dial with Roman numerals, half-hour dot markers, center engraved with a view of a village, outer engraved with scrolling, two rabbits, and a mask.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand L. Regnier, France
Year Circa 1620
Material Gilt brass
Caliber oval, 33 x 24 mm, full plate, baluster pillars, fusee and gut, 3-wheel short train, verge escapement, circular bronze foliot, irregular cock secured by a screw, ratchet wheel set-up.
Dimensions 60 x 33 mm.
Signature Movement
Notes
A similar watch, although unsigned and with a less elaborate dial, was in the Prince Soltykoff collection, illustrated as Fig. XIX of his catalogue. Watches in rock crystal cases began to be made around the middle of the 16th century; the fashion lasted for about a hundred years. They were made in France, Germany, England, and also in Geneva. The French lapdiaries, in Blois, Paris, Strasburg, and Lyon, were particularly skillful. It seems, however, that the Genevan lapidaries were especially renowned for their work in rock crystal. For instance, in 1623, Pierre Lourteau, a master watchmaker living in Lyon, ordered three rock crystal cases from Paul Tillier, a lapidary in Geneva. Jean Regnier. He became a Master in 1615. Between 1620 and 1623 he became valet de chambre and Horloger de la Reyne.