Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 31, 1998

LOT 472

P. Combret a Lyon, circa 1620. Very fine and extremely rare, 20K gold and enamel mounted smoked rock crystal octagonal, pre-balance spring watch.

CHF 35,000 - 40,000

C. Double body with hinged gold frame decorated with flinque red and opaque white enamel, matching enamelled bases of the loose-ring pendant and the finial. D. Silver chapter ring with Roman numerals applied on the octagonal gilt brass dial plate engraved with cherubs, a winged angel head and centred with a small landscape, a bagpipes player on the foreground with his clog. Blued steel single hand. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate octagonal with urn pillars, three wheel train, fusee with gut-line, verge escapement, steel twoarm balance without spring, irregular florally pierced and engraved balance cock secured by a pin, the matching ratchet wheel set-up cock with blued steel wheel and click spring. Signed on the back plate. Dim. 63 x 34 mm.


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Notes

This watch was described and illustrated by Leon Palustre in the catalogue of the Spitzer Collection, published by Maison Quantin in Paris, 1890-1892, fig. 23. The watch, as it is being offered today, appears to be in the same condition as it was in the Spitzer Collection when described and illustrated in the catalogue. Therefore, any of the alterations found on the case are very old and were made before it was part of this celebrated collection. Pierre II Combret a Lyon (1581-1622) The son of Pierre ler, he was born in Egleton. He made oval, octagonal and crucifix shaped watches as well as fine pendant watches designed as shellfish or a tulip.