Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Noga Hilton, Oct 16, 2005

LOT 25

"The Nativity" Unsigned, German or French. Made circa 1600. Very fine and very rare, early, gilt bronze and silver oval hour striking pre-balance spring pendant clockwatch.

C. Oval, two-body, gilt bronze mounted, the silver band pierced and engraved with foliage, the silver cover engraved with a scene depicting the Annunciation, the silver back engraved en-suite with a scene depicting the Nativity, engraved branches of laurel inside the cover with initials, ring suspension, turned lower finial. D. Silver chapter ring with Roman numerals for hours and in the German style outer Arabic ring for hours from 13 to Z4. Gilt brass dial plate engraved with foliage and flowers, Adam and Eve above the dial, Venus below and a town view to the centre. Blued steel single hand. M. Hinged oval gilt brass full plate with primitive "tulip" pillars, fusee with gut line, verge escapement, plain steel two-arm balance without spring, irregular oval foliate pierced and engraved cock secured by a pin, with blued steel click for the ratchet wheel set-up. Striking on a bell, the striking train with gilt brass pierced and engraved fixed barrel and revolving arbour, silver count wheel engraved with flowers and mounted on the back plate. Dim. 56 x 46 mm.