Very fine gilt-metal and rock crystal crucifix watch, with original leather protecting case. | Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 17th October 1992

Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 17, 1992

LOT 453

Very fine gilt-metal and rock crystal crucifix watch, with original leather protecting case.

CHF 60,000 - 70,000

Sold: CHF 88,550

C. GiIt-brass two piece frame engraved with delicate foliage and hatch-work. Hinged faceted rock crystal cover and back, loose-rig pendant and button finial. Suede lined leather protecting case, the floral tooling with signs of gilt remaining. D. Hinged gilt-brass dial plate engraved with implements of the scourge and crucifixion. Applied silver dial, the centre engraved with a crowing cock, Roman hour chapters with cross-shaped half-hour divisions. Single balluster-turned blued -steel hand. M. Gilt-brass shaped plates, turned balluster pillars, fusee with gut line, short train, verge escapement, two-arm steel balance without spring, irregular oval foliage pierced and engraved cock with matching click for the ratchet wheel set-up. Signed on the movement. In excellent condition. Dims. 65 x 40 mm. (excluding ring)

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Notes

Although signed H. Ester, Paris, there is no doubt that the Ester family came from, and worked in Geneva. The most likely maker would be Jean-Henry Ester, the Père, born 1594, died 1669. He is known to have specialised in form watches, and to have taken Jacob Delacroix as an apprentice. Tardy notes that watches signed Paris are known, but gives no details or dates, confirming that he was not of French origin. H. Ester A Paris, circa 1630.