The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 322

John Willowe, In Flee stre, London, circa 1625.Very fine and rare silver and gilt metal single-hand pendant form watch in the shape of a cross.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

USD 18,000 - 24,000

Sold: CHF 39,100

C. Three-body, 'fermée' type, both hinged covers with small central cross and deep broad facets, the front engraved with the crucifixion, the faceted parts engraved with symbols of the Passion, angels and foliage, the back engraved with the beatification of the Virgin, the faceted parts decorated similarly to the front, 'IHS' engraved inside, the Holy Heart, and the blood of Christ, swivel, fleur de lis pendant, loose ring. D. Silver cruciform plate engraved with instruments of the Passion, theesurrection of Christ, the Holy Shroud, applied gilt ring with radial Roman chapters, half-hour markers. Blued-steel 'arrow' hand. M. 42 x 32 mm, cruciform, gilt brass full plate, vase pillars, fusee and chain for the going train, verge escapement, two-arm iron circular foliot, elongated pinned gilt cock, pierced and engraved with asymmetrical foliage, wheel and click set-up with a small pierced and engraved decoration.Signed on the back plate.Dim. 63 x 39 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 360-361.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image

Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 4 - 15
Movement: 4 - 5 - 6*
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Willowe Johnis recorded by Baillie as having been active in London, apprenticed in 1600, he joined the Blacksmiths Company in 1617, then, warden of the Clockmakers' Company in 1632 and, in 1635, became master of the Clockmakers' Company. One of his work, a scallop-shell-shaped watch is in the British museum.