The Private Collection of Theodor Beyer

Hotel Baur Au Lac, Zurich, Nov 16, 2003

LOT 18

Marchand à Genève, circa 1700. Very fine and rare silver pair-cased single-hand "oignon" alarm watch.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

EUR 5,200 - 6,500 / USD 6,000 - 7,400

Sold: CHF 25,300

C. Outer: Two-body, "oignon" type, polished with pierced bezels for sound. Inner: two-body, band pierced and engraved with foliage, exotic birds, bear heads, small engraved cartouche with city walls.D. White enamel, bold Roman numerals, inner quarter-hour ring, winding apertures at 4 and 8, center with white enamel alarm disc with Arabic numerals and steel fleur-de-lis pointer indicating hours, blued steel "arrow" alarm setting hand. M. 46 mm, hinged, fire-gilded full plate with Egyptian pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement with steel balance and short balance spring, Louis XIV cock pierced and engraved with masks, Bosley type regulator, alarm with fixed engraved barrel and steel train, striking on a bell by both sides of short T-shaped oval hammer striking on a bell.Signed on the back plate.Diam. 61 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-14-23-01

Good

Damaged

Later

HANDS Original

Notes

Genevan "oignon" watches with alarm are rare. This one is of high quality with a well finished movement and case in excellent condition. Abraham Marchand. The son of Charles. From a well-known Genevan watchmaking family, he produced, along with his Brother Amédée, "oignons" and watches with alarm in the French style. He was made "habitant" in 1710. "Dictionnaire des Horlogers Genevois" by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Antiquorum Editions, Geneva, 1998.