Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 27

Charles Bobinet (1610-1678) A famous Swiss master watch and clockmaker, he taught several Genevese apprentices, among them Jean Bastard in 1638, Vincent Perissel in 1639, Pierre Chenevière in 1654, François Chenevière in 1655, and Jacques Sullin in 1664. It appears that for a short period he signed "Charles Bobinet in Paris", probably for commercial reasons. He made form watches in rock crystal and semiprecious stones, and cruciform watches."Dictionnaire des Horlogers Genevois", by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Antiquorum Editions, Geneva, 1998.Flowered CrossCharles Bobinet, Paris (Geneva), circa 1650.Very fine and rare rock crystal and gilt brass, pre balance spring single-hand pendant form watch in the shape of a cross.

C. Double-body, of two pieces of gilt brass-mounted rock crystal hinged at the top, small lower finial, short pendant, loose ring. D. Silver champlevé with radial Roman chapters and half-hour divisions, center engraved with tulips and a bird's head. Blued steel hand. M. 40 x 27 mm., hinged, gilt brass full plate, unusual lyre-shaped pillars, fusee and gut-line for the going train, verge escapement, three-arm brass circular foliot, elongated cock asymmetrically pierced with floral engraving, secued by a screw, worm wheel and click set-up.Signed on the back plate.Dim: height 59 mm., width 35 mm.