The present watch has a typical Blois enamel case whose decoration is characteristic of the watches made for export to markets such as the Dutch, English, and German, at the end of the 17th century. The color palette, type of case, and the size, all indicate that it dates from the final period of Blois enameling. The present watch would appear to be unique in late 17th Century Blois watch cases in having a hinged cover at the back of the case to allow direct access to the movement for winding and regulation. Close examination of the case shows that the band was indeed made with hinges and catches at both sides. The high quality finishing and decoration of the balance cock, foot and backplate furniture would also indicate that the movement was intended to be seen more regularly than usual. The original dial has survived in very good condition and the ?pointer? hand is almost certainly original and very elegant. The movement was made without provision for a minute wheel and is intended for use with a single hand. The case depicts the story of Christ from his conception to the flight into Egypt. The scenes depicted are as follows: The Band: The Visitation The visit of the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, just after the Annunciation. Their meeting was one of mutual rejoicing, Mary had conceived and Elizabeth was in the sixth month of her pregnancy after a lifetime of barrenness (her child was John the Baptist). This theme often occurs in the cycle scenes of the life of the Virgin and they are seen, as here, before the house of Zacharias. The fact that they are shown embracing indicates that the scene was taken from a renaissance painting. Joseph?s Dream The book of James relates how Joseph?s suspicions were at first thoroughly aroused by Mary?s conception, but were allayed by the archangel Gabriel who appeared to him in a dream and gave him the explanation. The Adoration of the Shepherds The announcement to the shepherds in the fields of the birth of the Messiah by the angel, traditionally Gabriel is depicted in art from the end of the 15th Century. The shepherds are grouped round the infant in reverential attitudes, there are usually three of them and their gifts were appropriately rustic. The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John The Baptist St. Anne was the mother of the Virgin and St. John the Baptist was the son of her cousin Elizabeth. The floral panels on the band are tied together by floral bouquets in the characteristic Flemish style. The Case Back: The Adoration of the Magi (Adoration of the Kings) The Magi had come from the east, following a star, to seek the King of the Jews, and were directed by Herod?s officials to go to Bethlehem. Herod told them to report back to him, ostensibly that he might then pay homage himself, but really because he feared usurpation. Historically the magi were astrologers of the Persian court and are often depicted of being of unmistakably eastern origin. The symbolism of their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh was kingship, divinity and foreshadowing death. The Rest on the Flight into Egypt Warned in a dream that Herod was searching for the infant Jesus to kill him, Joseph took him and his mother away safely to Egypt where they remained until Herod?s death. The Virgin carries the infant Christ in her arms riding on an ass, Joseph leading the beast by the halter.