Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 18, 1998

LOT 169

C. Mellin aux Blackfrier (London), circa 1620. Fine and rare gilt-brass and silver, oval pre-balance spring watch.

C. Double body, oval with gilt-brass pendant, finials and hinges, plain gilt-brass cover and back with winding hole shutter. The silver overlaid band around the frame of the watch engraved with flowers, foliage and chimeras. D. Silver chapter ring with Roman numerals. Single blued-steel hand. The gilt-brass dial plate engraved with scrolling foliage, the figure of Venus above the dial, a small village to the centre. M. Hinged gilt-brass full plate with urn pillars, fusee with gut line, short train with verge escapement, twoarm balance without spring, irregular foliage pierced gilt-brass cock secured by a pin, ratchet-and-wheel setup regulator matching with blued-steel ratchet wheel and spring. Signed on the back plate. Dim. 71 x 40 mm.