Jehan (Jean) Augier, Paris, Master in 1600, recorded in 1620. Another enamel watch with a similar subject was sold at the Bloch sale in Paris in 1921.Further examples with enamelled cases are in the Louvre, Paris ( Garnier Collection) and the Musée de la Chaux de Fonds. Although details of his working life are sketchy, the fact that Augier became a màitre in 1600 confirms this watch as an early example of Blois school enamelling where a subject, usually taken from an existing painting or print is reproduced(see below). On this case, the colours used are relatively rich by comparison with the pastel shades employed on a number of the even larger" bassine" watches, often considered by virtue of their simpler technique to be the earliest examples. In further support of an early date,it should be noted that the case, and more particularly the dial show modest signs of rippling and minor firing flaws and cracks as would normally be expected on early painted enamels. The quality of draughtsmanship displayed in the main scene of the Holy Family is exceptional, as indeed is the sense of perspective in the interior landscape. Condition is generally very good throughout, bearing in mind the delicacy of such a watch. The vignette border has been repaired, but so perfectly as to be invisible to the naked eye, and also the bezel for the glass, with equal skill; several of the 'claws'holding the glass are lacking their tips. The main scene is perfect, apart from the slight flaws apparent from the original firings, and the dial has a hairline at 7 o'clock. The steel ratchet wheel is a replacement. Derivation: The scene is taken from 'La Sainte Famille à la palme', by Laurent De La Hyre,French artist born 1606, died 1656. Illustrated on the previous page is the print published in 1639.However, in view of the fact that the original painting is at present lost, it is interesting to speculate as to which version the enameller actually saw.The enamel depicts the subject in a far more developed form than the engraving, notably in the expressions on the faces of the Family, their sadness at having to flee from Herod's soldiers into Egypt, and the small bird which is representative of a journey. In view of Augier's importance as a watchmaker (confirmed by the number of fine enamels still surviving, and the fact that Blois trained enamellers worked in Paris it appears possible that the painter of this watch may have actually had access to the original, and now lest, original; We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Mrs. Hans Boeck in the preparation of this catalogue entry.