Jacob, Bulet pinxit, (Genève), circa 1680. Rare and important 20 ct gold and enamel, early balance spring watch with the enamel of the case signed below the title of the scene. | Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 15th October 1994

Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 15, 1994

LOT 415

Jacob, Bulet pinxit, (Genève), circa 1680. Rare and important 20 ct gold and enamel, early balance spring watch with the enamel of the case signed below the title of the scene.

CHF 90,000 - 100,000

C. Double body, bassine with split bezel and loosering pendant, enamelled with a fine scene depicting Aurora Cephalum rapiens (the rapt of Ceplale by Aurore), the frieze on the band with alternate floral decoration and small landscapes (very slightly restored on the border), a pastoral scene inside the case, hunters and a fisher man on the foreground, a castle on the back. D. White enamel chapter with Roman numerals, the centre painted with a loving couple. Single gilt brass twisted hand. M. Hinged gilt brass with twisted pillars, fusee with chain, plain steel three-arm balance, early short balance spring with worm-screw regulator, fine gilt bras Louis XIV cock pierced and engraved in three separated openwork sectors allowing the balance spring to be seen. Signed on a silver cartouche applied on the back plate. Bulet signature on the base of the band and cartouche with the title of the scene. In very good condition. Diam. 40 mm.

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Notes

The "endless screw" or "straight line" regulator, employed in this watch is very similar to that invented in England by Barrow and used in France for a short period by Gloria and few other watchmakers from Rouen, for watches produced soon after the invention of the balance spring. BULET, Guillaume François, was apprentice with Daniel Paingart from 1664 to 1665. PAINGART, Daniel, born in Paris in 1624, master silversmith and enamel painted, is recorded in the archives of Geneva in 1651. He had two apprentices; Jean Piaget in 1663-1665 and François Bulet 1664-1665.