644,250 CHF
Dennis Champion A Paris, circa 1660. An exceptionally fine gold and enamel savonette cased 'Blois' watch, with original fitted case. Double body, entirely enamelled on all sides with scenes from mythology (see note below). Loose-ring pendant. Gold, white enamel outer ring with black Roman hour numerals and graduated half hour dots, centre with scene of Cupid in a landscape. Single engraved gilt hand of tulip pattern. Circular, gilt, full plate with turned balluster pillars, gut fusee, three wheel train with verge escapement, plain steel two-arm balance without balance spring, irregular pierced and florally engraved balance cock secured by a screw, the worm-andwheel set up with matching cock, blued-steel wheel and click spring. Tooled and gilt leather protecting case with brass strap work hinge and hook.Signed on the movement. In perfect condition. Diam. 49.5mm. Notes Dennis Champion, Paris, recorded as working in 1643 and possibly previously established at Blois circa 1635. Watchmaker to the Duke and Duchess d'Orleans in 1669. Died 1706. The quality of enamel work on this case is quite exceptional, and the style of painting is attributable to Robert Vauquer of Blois. Born in Blois in 1625, he came from a family of watchmakers, goldsmiths, engravers and enamellers. He was apprenticed to Christophe Morlière, the renowned enameller, who \vas himself a strident under Toutin. Vauquer, along with Henri Toutin, is considered by many to have been the most accomplished paint
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1993-11-14
