Salomon Chesnon

• full plate gilt brass verge movement, turned baluster pillars, fusee and gut line, plain two-arm balance, pinned floral spay cock, worm and wheel set up • gilt dial finely engraved with two cherubs, squirrels and arabesque work and centred with an engraving of Bacchus and a fawn, silver chapter ring with champlevé enamel Roman numerals interspersed with hearts • the silver case with gilt edges, engraved to the front and back with scenes of figures bathing in a woodland scene, similarly engraved band depicting two reclining male figures and rabbits, a squirrel and peacock within scrolling foliage, the interior of the case back silver-gilt and with sundial with a movable folding open-work gnomon and a compass in a small circular case, inside of the front also silver gilt with a wreath, gilt tulip pendant with loose ring

Samuel Guye et Henri Michel, Preface by Landau, N., Mesures du Temps et de L'Espace, 1970, Bibliotèque des Arts Paris, p.90-91.

 

Movement running, all functions appear operational while cataloguing, adjustments are recommended for full service. Case with silver tarnish and a lovely patina, condition is well preserved. A rare feature with the inner compass and solar dial. A very fine and rare example of a watch from that period.
"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."

Salomon Chesnon from Blois was born in 1572 and died in 1634. He is recorded both by Baillie and Tardy, as having made a clock for Marie de Médici. There are two watches in the Louvre that are recorded as having been made either by Salomon Chesnon or his son. His work has been in the collections of Blot-Garnier and the Mallett and Miller collections.

A watch of similar style but different subject matter by Marc Girar, also of Blois, is listed in the Catalogue of the Collection of J. Pierpont Morgan, no.5 plate V and dated circa 1580-1590.