6,900 CHF
Gribelin à Paris, circa 1700. Very fine gilt-metal Louis XIV "oignon" with pendulum. Double body, oignon, fully engraved with foliage and masks, the back centred with a scene depicting Venus in her chariot drawn by dolphins Gilt copper with blue Roman numerals on white enamel cartouches and outer white enamel Arabic minute ring, the centre engraved with scrolled foliage. Blued-steel hands. Hinged gilt brass full plate with Egyptian pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass Louis XIV cock, engraved with inhabited foliage, the mock pendulum fixed on the balance rim, visible through a semi-circular aperture. Signed on the back plate. In very good condition. Diam. 60 mm. Notes It seems most probable that this watch is the work of Nicolas Gribelin towards the end of his career. For fuller details of his life, see lots 31 and 33. This watch is a classic example of the French ' oignon'. Large in size, straightforward in construction and with an easily legible dial. Although slightly rubbed on the back of the case, the gilding has survived in such a condition as to be easily confused with gold.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1993-11-14
