Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 24, 1999

LOT 616

German, circa 1600. Very fine and rare, early, gilt bronze and silver oval hour striking pre-balance spring clock watch.

C. Oval, gilt bronze mounted, the silver band pierced and engraved with foliage, the silver cover engraved with a scene depicting "The Annunciation " , the silver back engraved en suite with a scene depicting "The Nativity", branches of laurel inside the cover with initials, loose ring pendant and turned finial button. D. Silver chapter ring with Roman numerals for hours from I to XII and in the German style, outer Arabic ring for hours from 13 to Z4. Blued steel single hand. Gilt brass dial plate engraved with foliage and flowers, Adam and Eve above the dial, Venus below, a small village to the centre. M. Hinged oval gilt brass full plate with primitive "tulip'" pillars, fusee with gut line, verge escapement, plain steel two-arm balance without spring, irregular oval foliage pierced and engraved cock secured by a pin, with blued steel click for the ratchet wheel set-up. Striking on a bell, the striking train with gilt brass pierced and engraved fixed barrel and revolving arbor, silver count wheel engraved with flowers, on the back plate. Dim. 73 x 47 mm. (excluding ring)