Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 31, 1998

LOT 57

Francois De Roche, Geneva, circa 1700. Fine silver pair cased, quarter repeating watch.

CHF 10,000 - 12,000

C. Outer double body, pierced and engraved with foliage, small landscapes and cherubs, the inner double body, bassine, decorated en suite with scrolled foliage. D. Slightly later, custom made white enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Gold Louis XIV hands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock with ruby end-stone. Repeating on a bell by depressing the pendant. Gilt brass dust cap. Signed on the back plate and dust cap. Diam. 51 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 4*

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 30-04

Alterations

HANDS Later

Notes

As opposed to France, where only a few watches were made with silver or gold champleve dials between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century, in the rest of Europe, and particularly in England and Holland, such dials were much in favour during the first half of the 18th century. When most watches were produced with white enamel dials, which were easier to read, several owners ordered such white enamel dials to replace the champleve dial of their watch.