17,250 CHF
Bergier, Paris, circa 1650. Fine, silver, pre-balance spring, single-hand form watch in the shape of a skull, with concealed dial. Two-body, realistically formed as human skull, silver suspension ring at the top, to the left pivoted turtle cov-eringwinding aperture. Silver, champlevé radial Roman numerals, inner half-hour ring, center engraved witha village scene. Blued steel and gilt hand. Circular, 27 mm, gilt brass full plate, turned baluster pillars, fuseeand gut, short train, verge escapement, circular iron foliot, irregular cock secured by a screw, endless screwmainspring set-up.Signed on the back plate.Dim. 37 x 33 mm. Notes At the time this watch was made there were approximately four watchmakers in Paris named Bergier. The most likely candidate for this watch is François, who was elected a "Juré" in 1662.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-04-24
