Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 6

English Market Oignon Joyce, London. Made for the English market, circa 1710. Fine and very rare, Louis XIV, gilt brass, single-hand oignon watch, wound through the center.

CHF 3,500 - 4,500

USD 3,200 - 4,200 / EUR 2,200 - 2,800

Sold: CHF 4,680

C. Two-body, ?oignon?, the back chased and engraved with a scene of a three cherubs dancing beneath a canopy, foliate strapwork border and bezel, square hinge, loose ring pendant. D.White enamel with raised cartouches with radial black painted Roman numerals, inner white enamel quarter-hour ring. Blued steel fleur-de-lys hand.M. 47 mm, winding from the front only, frosted gilt full plate, divided Egyptian pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance, pierced and chased cock decorated with inhabited foliage and strapwork, Tompion-type regulator. Movement signed. Diam. 57 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-22

Good

Later original
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The present watch is highly unusual amongst oignon watches in that it has a London signature. The case, dial and movement are typically French, however the wheelwork is English in construction. It is suggested that this watch was perhaps finished and sold in London. Other French watches in various styles have also been signed Joyce and have this peculiarly English wheelwork suggesting that Joyce (probably George Joyce, CC. 1692) was importing unfinished French watches into London and them completing them in his own workshop.
Literature: La Montre Française, Adolphe Chapiro, Les Editions de l?Amateur, 1991, p. 56, fig 116-118.