Important Watches

Geneva, Mar 20, 2010

LOT 309

Noel Cusin, Le Coquillage Noel Cusin, Autun (France), one of the fathers of Geneva watchmaking. Made circa 1630. Very fine and extremely rare, coquille-form, gilt-brass, pre-balance spring, single-handed pendant watch.

CHF 16,000 - 26,000

USD 15,000 - 24,000 / EUR 11,000 - 18,000

Sold: CHF 18,000

C. Two-body, shell-form, gadrooned and engraved with foliate scrolls, pendant with loose ring, hinged shell-form cover, unusual hinged catch, the interiors engraved with pounced formal foliage. D. Oval, gilt brass, sprung latch, engraved chapter ring with radial Roman hour numerals with arrow half-hour divisions, the center engraved with scrolling foliage, outer border engraved with scrolling foliage and fruit. Steel tulip hand. M. 28 x 24 mm., oval gilt brass, baluster pillars, fusee with chain, short four-wheel train with five-leaf pinions, verge escapement, three-arm brass foliot with vertical baking pins on the rim, elongated cock with small foot, pierced and engraved with flowering foliage, secured by a pin, ratchet wheel and click mainspring set-up. Movement signed. Dim. 33 x 29 mm. excluding pendant.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3-28*

Good

Replacements

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The Cusins were a family of French watchmakers whose ancestor, Charles, had emigrated from Autun to Geneva, and is considered responsible for introducing watchmaking to that city. He became a resident in Geneva on July 12, 1574. His halfbrother Noël (1587 ? 1656), the maker of the present watch, was considered one of the most important watchmakers in the city.