Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 14, 1990

LOT 170

Jacobus Garrault, Hagae, Les Frères Huaut enamelers, circa 1695. Very fine and rare 20 ct. gold and enamel early watch set with a balance spring.

Very fine "bassine" enamelled case painted overall, the principal scene depicting Artémis, the Huntress and the Wild Boar of Calydon, linked by ribbon knots on a blue background, four landscapes are finely painted on the edge in cartouches, signature set below number 6. Fine fluvial landscape inside, on the enamel backing with a castle and a fisherman, engraved bezel and Iater gold pendant. Gold enamel dial with Roman numerals on a white chapter ring, Artémis and Apollo her brother finely painted at the center. Later blued steel single hand. Fine gilt brass full plate movement with pierced tulip pillars, fusee and chain, three wheel train, verge escapement with a three armed steel balance, short early balance spring with a rosette and rack adjustment, giIt brass cock pierced and engraved in such a way the balance spring can be seen easily, mainspring tension adjusted by a worm screw. Signed on the back plate, Huaut on the case. In very good condition. Diam. 41 mm. The creations of the Huaut' s workshop are different from others working in the same period. The brightness of the colors associated with the technique of "pointillé" give their work a perfection which can be esily identified. In this actual watch the masterly level of their art is evidenced by its outstanding condition of conservation. A similar watch is published in Tardy: Dictionnaire des Horloger s Français, page 306.