Important collector's watches, wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Apr 13, 2002

LOT 31

Nicolas Gribelin, Paris, circa 1680. Very fine and rare ebonized hour-striking, early ?Religieuse? pendulum wall clock.

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

EUR 14,000 - 20,000 / USD 12,000 - 18,000

Sold: CHF 28,750

C. Rectangular with small molded base and top, the top with gilt brass appliqué chased with inhabited foliage surmounted by a coronet, borders with a gilt brass frame chased with foliate pattern, hinged front and back door. D. Gilt brass ring with champlevé radial Roman numerals, inner quarter-hour divisions and outer sixty-minute figures applied on black velour, gilt brass applied corners chased with inhabited foliage. Gilt brass hands. M. Rectangular, 94 x 120 cm, single going barrel for both going and striking trains, verge escapement, cycloidal cheeks (missing pendulum), brass count wheel on the back plate, striking on a bell mounted on the top of the case. Signed on dial and movement. Dim. Height 45 cm. (with the top appliqué), base width 30 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted
Movement: 3-11-13-22*

Good

Slightly worn

Slightly damaged

Later original

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Nicolas Gribelin The son of Abraham and grandson of Simon, he was born in Blois in 1637. He was received Master circa 1660 in the Faubourg Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and in Paris on June 5, 1675. He was ?Garde Visiteur? from 1676-1678 and 1684-1686, and Clockmaker to Monsieur le Dauphin before 1674. In 1682 he was established in the rue de Bussy. With Baltazar Martinot II, he organized a grand lottery of clocks at Court in 1695, and also worked with l?Abbé Hauteville with the idea of producing eight-day watches. He died in 1719. Gribelin is recognized as one of the finest clock and watchmakers of the late 17th century.