Zacharie Fonnereau

• gilt brass two-train full plate verge movement with fusee and gut line, the back plate signed Z Fonnereau a La Rochelle, plain steel two-arm balance, pinned floral spray cock, wheel and click set-up with similar decoration, the striking train with fixed gilt brass barrel pierced and engraved with flowers • gilt dial, silver chapter ring with black champlevé enamel Roman numerals, central alarm disc with indicating pointer, the centre with engraved floral decoration • silver case fully pierced and engraved, each section interspersed with floral decoration, the back centred by a rose, apertures for the winding, pendant with loose ring, outer leather covered pierced outer protective case, the centre and borders with silver piqué work

Samuel Guye et Henri Michel, Preface by Landau, N., Mesures du Temps et de L'Espace, 1970, Bibliotèque des Arts Paris, p.90-91, ill. 66 and 67.

Movement running and striking, the bell has been replaced, adjustments advised for full service. Case with lovely shape and engraving, two apertures on the back for winding and alarm. A very rare and complicated 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."

Zacharie Fonnereau served his apprenticeship in Lyons between 1618 and 1626 before moving to La Rochelle where he was active from 1641. Fonnereau died in 1683. Examples of his work were noted by Baillie in the Petit Palais, Paris and the collections of Mallett, Ilbert, Gélis and Dutuit. See Baillie, G. H, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, Third Edition, 1951, p.111. See also Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, p. 232.