89,300 CHF
Jean-Baptiste Duboule (Geneve), circa 1650. "Le Dauphin" Very fine and extremely rare and attractive silver pre-balance spring pendant watch, in the form of a dolphin. Double body, designed as a dolphin with garnet set eyes and winding howl shutter. Silver with Roman numerals, the centre finely engraved with a village. Gilt brass single hand. Hinged oval, gilt-brass full plate with turned urn pillars, fusee with gut line,three wheel train, verge escapement, two-arm steel balance without spring, irregular oval foliage pierced and engraved cock secured by a screw, with matching click for the ratchet wheel set-up. In excellent condition. Dim. 39 x 26 x 38 mm. Notes Extremely attractive example of the earliest type of form watch ever made, signed by one of the most eminent makers of the time in Geneva. Very few watches from the 17th century, designed as an animal, are known to exist and are still in private hands and are the pride of the few Museums which are lucky enough to own some of them. Very fine examples of such a watch designed has a rabbit is kept in the Musee de t 'lianaillerie et de logo re in Geneva and one designed has a pigeon illustrated by Cecil Clutton and Georges Daniels in Watches ill. 67a-c. Jean-Baptiste Duboule Baptised on June 4th, 1615, he died on April 6th, 1694, second son of Martin Duboule and apprentice to his father. He was the maker of the oldest watch made in Geneva known to survive with a painted enamel case. His elate of birth makes him a Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1997-04-12