Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Du Rhone, Apr 02, 2006

LOT 390

?Italian Oignon Alarm? Gio(vanni) Bat(is)ta Callin Genoua. Made circa 1690. Very fine and extremely rare, silver pair-cased singlehand pocket watch with alarm.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

108 4,500 - 5,800

Sold: CHF 11,210

C. Outer: two-body, the back and bezel pierced with ringed sound holes, square hinge. Inner: two-body, "bassine" with deep back, the band pierced and engraved with inhabited foliage and grotesque masks, polished split bezel, loose ring pendant. D. Silver chapter ring with bold champlevé radial Roman numerals, inner half and quarter-hour ring, central silver alarm disc with Arabic numerals and steel arrowhead pointer indicating the hours, blued steel alarm setting hand. M. 42 mm, hinged, gilt full plate with divided Egyptian pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement with steel balance and short balance spring, continental type cock pierced and engraved with scrolling inhabited foliage, Tompion type regulator with graduated silver disc, alarm with foliate chased fixed barrel and steel train, striking on a bell with a double-ended hammer. Movement signed. Diam. 59 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-7-11

Good

Oxidized

Slightly worn
Movement: 3-7-8*

Good

Oxidized

Slightly scratched

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-9-01

Good

Scratched

HANDS Original

Notes

Callin was one of the most famous watchmakers at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century. The family moved from Germany and were established in Liguria in the late 17th century. They were most famous for clocks and night clocks. It is partcularly unusual to find a watch by this maker.