Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 407

C. Martinot aux Galeries du Louvre, made in 1728. Imposing "tête de poupée" clock with calendar.

CHF 13,000 - 16,000

Sold: CHF 13,225

C. Shaped, black lacquered and polished, the rectangular base supported on four, gilt bronze, near contemporary dragon feet with central applied antique head above symmetrical foliage, side and shoulder pieces; gilt bronze bezel chased in light relief with petal decoration, the pediment surmounted by the figure of a hall clad youth wearing a helm and with his left hand resting on a sphere, seated on the body of a decapitated warrior. D. Relief chased gilt bronze, the centre decorated with a bird with spread wings standing on a footed basin within symmetrical foliate and floral motifs with strapwork. Roman numerals enamelled in blue on a white ground in individuel plaques set into the dial plate (hairline cracks to those for V and X), Arabic minutes engraved directly on the circumference of the dial-plate; silvered volvelle at 12 o'clock for the date of the month, lower centre winding hole and arbor. M. Rectangular plated, turned conical pillars, single train with going barrel, anchor escapement, flat bob pendulum with steel rod, suspension modified, wound through the dial. Signed on the back plate. In good condition Dim. 70 x 39 x 17cm


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Notes

Claude Martinot (c. 1699-1742) became Horloger du Roi in 1718 in conjunction with his father Henri and in succession to his brother Jacques. Member of the most productive and longlived dynasty of French dock- and watch-makers, all of whom were noted for the quality of their products.