F.L. Godon

F. L. Godon, Reloxero de Camara de S.M.C. (Sa Majeste Catholique, the King of Spain), circa 1800. Very fine and rare 18K gold calendar watch with a concealed portrait of the King of Spain, Royal present to Don Francesco de Soria. Three body Directoire by Guillaume Mermillod (Master mark) No. 184L, polished, the hinged back engraved with laurel branches disclosing the concealed miniature portrait of the King, painted on ivory and protected by a glass. White enamel with Roman numerals, inner minute ring and outer calendar chapters. The dial carries the inscription: Soy de Don FranCOO de Soria y.. Gold "pear" hands with skeletonised tips. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, cylinder escapement with brass escape wheel, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel endpiece. Gilt brass dust cap. Signed on the dial, dust cap and back plate. In very good condition. Diam. 60 mm. Notes The white enamel dial of this watch is typical of that made for Godon, with minute ring inner to the hour numerals. It was a custom in Spain for important personalities to have their watches and clocks engraved or marked on the dial by the inscription: Soy dc......followed by their name (I belong to....). Watches with portrait of the King were usually ordered by the King to be presented in recognition of loyalty. Due to the laurel branches engraved on the back, the quality of the watch and of the miniature Read more…