109,250 CHF
P. Belon A Paris, circa 1630. Exceptionally fine and rare gold, enamel and rock crystal crucifix watch. Lobed cross-shaped gilt- metal plates, turned balluster pillars, fusee with gut, four wheel train with verge escapement, plain two arm steel balance, irregular florally pierced and engraved balance cock secured by a pin, the matching ratchet wheel set-up cock with blued-steel wheel and click spring. Signed on the back plate. In excellent condition. Dim. 65 x 37 mm. Notes Pierre Belon the first, a Master in 1623, watchmaker and Valet du Chambre to King Louis XIII and his Queen, Anne of Austria, from 1635 to 1648. French watches in gold, enamel and rock crystal are extremely rare, even more so in this particular form. The pattern of the dial decoration is similar to the designs of Stephanus Carteron of 1613 (see C. Cardinal, Ln Montre, Office du Livre, 1985, p.136). Although the Edict of Nantes, passed by Henri IV, had given followers of the Protestant Faith the right to their beliefs, with the accession of Louis XIII and the rise to power of Cardinal Richelieu, persecution began again in earnest. It vas certainly a time when an open display of belief in the Catholic teaching would have been beneficial, and the wearing of a cross or cross-form watch a clear sign of faith. Pierre Belon, in his capacity of watchmaker to the King would have been ideally placed to receive commissions for such watches. An example in gold and enamel would certainly have been to the order of s Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1993-11-14
