314,250 CHF
Jean Rousseau, (Geneva, Switzerland), circa 1625. A very fine and rare giIt-metal and rock-crystal "crucifix" watch. Two-part frame, the borders engraved with hatched patterns, the dial surround with foliage spandrels. Facetted rock-crystal back and cover, loose-ring pendant and button finials. inged and lobed gilt-brass dial plate engraved with foliage and Mary Magdalene kneeling in prayer at the scene of the Crucifixion. Applied silver chapter-ring with Roman hour numerals, hait hour points and quarter-hour divisions, the centre with engraved urban scene. Single blued steel balluster pattern hand. Gilt-brass with shaped plates, pierced foliate pillars, fusee with gut, short train, verge escapement, plain two-arm steel balance without spring. Irregular oval florally pierced and engraved cock. Off-set worm-and-wheel set-up, with blued-steel brackets and silver indicator disk. Signed on the movement. In excellent condition Dims. 59x43mm. Notes Jean Rousseau, 1580-1642. Maître horloger in Geneva, he specialised in "form" watches,notably animals and birds and those of cross shape. Rousseau had five daughters and seven sons , several of whom followed him into the watchmaking trade. He was the grandfather of the famous philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau A very similar watch is conserved in the collection of the British Museum (inv.74,7-18,28), and illustrated in the recently published work by Catherine Cardinal, La Montre,des origines au XIXe siècle, Fribourg, 1985, p. 32
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1992-04-11
