M. S., German, circa 1580. Very rare oval gilt metal, silver and enamel clock watch. | Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 25th April 1993

Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 25, 1993

LOT 345

M. S., German, circa 1580. Very rare oval gilt metal, silver and enamel clock watch.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

Sold: CHF 43,700

C. Three piece, the ribbed centre section with applied silver band engraved with flowers and formerlly decorated in translucent champleve enamels, hinged cover pierced with trefoil pattern displaying the numerals, the hinged back similarly pierced over the bowl. D. Domed dial plate with applied silver chapter ring, Roman numerals for I - XII and Arabic 13 - Z4, centre engraved with flowers and a bird and traces of the original champleve translucent enamel decoration. Single blued-steel pointer, count wheel setting hole at 9 o' clock. M. Oval gilt full plate secured by dog screws, turned pillars, fusee with early chain for going and fixed barrel for striking, train wheels all in iron, verge escapement, plain two arm balance without spring and wishbone regulator (replaced). Simple serpent's head scroll balance cock, countersunk iron strike Iock plate, engraved brass nag's head hammer with pierced steel return spring and stop arm. Signed on movement with initiais flanking an impressed 'drug bottle' punch. In good condition. Dims. 71 x 50mm.

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Notes

The MF punch would appear to be at present unidentified, but several German makers could be considered along with Martin Schmidt of Prague. In view of its considerable age the condition of the watch can be considered as rather good. The lack of surviving enamel on this form of case is regretably quite usual as it did not attach itself with particular strength to the shallow engraved champleve ground.