Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, Nov 13, 2011

LOT 547

MARTINOT, 17TH CENTURY OIGNON WATCH WITH ALARM Gilles Martinot à Paris. Made circa 1690. Very fine and rare, silver-cased, Louis XIV "oignon" watch with alarm.

CHF 6,000 - 8,000

USD 6,500 - 8,700 / EUR 5,000 - 6,500

C. Double body, oignon, polished, the back engraved with concentric circles and with small sound holes around the perimeter, square hinge, loose ring pendant. D. Gilt brass with black radial Roman numerals on white enamel cartouches, inner white enamel quarter-hour chapter, innermost gilt brass revolving alarm setting disc with Arabic numerals. Blued-steel single hand for alarm setting and beetle pointer for the hours. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with divided Egyptian pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, fl at balance spring and gilt brass Louis XIV cock pierced and engraved with inhabited foliage, rack and pinion regulator, alarm train with gilt brass fi xed barrel pierced and engraved with scrolls, alarm striking on a bell in the back of the case. Movement signed. Diam. 58 mm


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-75-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Slightly restored soft enamel

HANDS Original

Notes

Gilles (II) Martinot, born 1658, youngest brother of Baltazar l'aisné, married in Paris to Elisabeth Lejeune in 1687. Established in Rue de Harle), 'Au Chandelier d'or' 1687- 1689, and at 'Au Cadran' on the Quai d'Orfèvres from 1696 to 1718. He was involved with his eldest brother and Jean de Hautefeuille in 1702 in an association to produce watches with balance spring to the latter's design