Important Watches, Wristwatches and c...

Geneva, Apr 20, 1996

LOT 49

Rousseau a Geneve, circa 1630. Very fine and rare 22 ct. gold, enamel and agate, pre-balance spring watch.

CHF 60,000 - 70,000

Sold: CHF 64,400

C. Double body, the gold frame decorated with white and green translucent champleve enamel decoration, the pendant and button finial en suite, plain oval back cut from a single large piece of agate. D. Gold dial with Roman numerals on a white enamel chapter ring, the centre of translucent green enamel over engine-turning. Gold single hand. M. Shaped hinged gilt brass full plate with turned baluster pillars, three wheel train, fusee with gut line, verge escapement, steel two-arm balance without spring, irregular foliage pierced gilt brass cock secured by a pin, the matching ratchet wheel set-up click with blued steel wheel and spring. Signed on the back plate. In very good condition. Dim. 47 x 31


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Notes

Except the watches made of rock crystal, watch cases carved from semi-precious stones with gold and enamel mounting, are extremely rare. Most of them were produced in Germany. It is therefore exceptional to find such a watch with the signature of a Geneva watchmaker. Most of the few others known to exist, were in the Collection of the King of Naples.