Unsigned, attributed to J.-J. Meister, (Paris), circa 1890. A particularly fine and impressive monumental ' pendule de salon', in gilt bronze and mahogany with 'torsional' pendulum and striking movement with date calendar.

C. Semi-circular fluted plinth with bronze gilt mounts, double 'S' scroll flanked lion's paw feet supporting the part reeded, part fluted tapering trunk with applied half round flowering torchères, pendant acanthus foliage and an emblem comprised of flambeau torchères all in gilt bronze. Four reeded volute scroll mahogany brackets and an elaborate gilt bronze musical trophy providing a further support for the broken semi-circular arched pediment, mounted with a gilt bronze eagle and surmounted by two plump bronze putti, a scroll cartouche between acting as the pendulum support. D. Stylisai gilt brass ' gothik' Roman numerals applied to the dark blue lacquered front of the spherical pendulum bob, with inner calendar ring and winding shutters. Elaborate gilt brass Louis XIV hands, with steel calendar pointer. The globe forming the pendulum bob, suspended from a tubular rod with elaborate decoration, with attached ' centrifugal regulator' type compensation spheres. M. Mouvement de Paris type, of large size, with circular plates, 8-day going, Brocot style anchor escapement, with the anchor working against a ' wheel' with two indentations only, and beating 15 seconds as the pendulum swings in a circular arc. Hour and half-hour striking on a bell. Unsigned, the movement numbered 10-5. In very good condition. Dim. 215 x 60 x 40 cm.

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 4 3 5 3 6 7 , case No. 6 3 4 5 , made for Meister in Zurich circa 1941. Very elegant 18 c t . white gold keyless dress watch.

C. Three piece "knife edge" satine and polished. D. Mat silver with Roman numerals. Blued steel " feuilles" hands. M. 9 rhodium plated, caliber No. 1003, bearing the Geneva quality mark, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, mono-metallic balance with screws, self compensated balance spring. Signed on the dial, case and movement. In very good condition with a white gold chain. Diam. 42 mm.