Fonnereau

gilt brass full plate crucifix form movement with three-wheel train, signed on the backplate Fonnereau, pierced and engraved balance cock secured by a screw, plain two-arm balance, fusée for going train with gut line, pierced and engraved foliate decoration to ratchet wheel set up • engraved gilt brass dial plate depicting Christ, hammer and nails and cockerel, applied silver dial with wax filled Roman numerals, single blued steel hour hand, centre engraved with a small village scene • gilt brass frame containing faceted rock crystal cover and case back • with a silver protective case

Antiquorum, Geneva, October 10th 1996, lot 635.

Movement complete and will most probably run. Beautiful engraving on the cross. The crystal only very slightly chipped on one bottom angle. An extremely rare watch in a well preserved aged condition. Very rare example accompanied by the original silver protecting case.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Fonnereau
Originally from Geneva, he was apprenticed in Lyon in 1618 and then became Compagnon in 1622. As a master watchmaker in 1641, he settled in La Rochelle.

The present watch accompanied by its original silver case is a very rare example dating from this period. A very similar watch is mentionned in the Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Tardy, it is possible that it could in fact be this very piece.  Another watch attributed to Fonnereaux is also described in the inventory of Collection Dutuit exhibited at the Musée du Petit Palais in Paris.