Delorme, Paris

• gilt full plate verge movement, pierced and engraved balance bridge, fusée and chain, baluster pillars, silver regulation dial, the hammer striking on a bell for the repeating mechanism, signed on the plate Delorme Paris • gilt brass chased plate, Roman numerals set on white enamel cartouches for the hours, outer Arabic numerals on white enamel cartouches for the minutes, the centre engraved with scrolls • gold case with an impressive foliage decoration to the band, pierced and engraved for sound of the reating mechanism on the edge of the case back, the back with a typical Louis XIV decoration, showing in the centre a trophy and finely chased figures all over, the pendant used to activate the repeating mechanism • movement signed, bell stamped BIO

Movement running while cataloguing, reapeting mechanism striking, however a service is recommended in the future in order to be well preserved. Dial with few minimal signs of wear, in a very well preserved condition. The case is in a very good condition, slightly scuffed to the surface. Overall this is an extremely rare example from the period in a well preserved condition. This is definitely an historical piece in regards to the history of watchmaking.
"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."

The present example is one of only four 18th Century gold oignon watches. The others include one signed by Gloria, Rouen and illustrated on the cover of Watches, by Clutton and Daniels. A clockwatch by Baltazar (II) Martinot is now exhibited at the Patek Philippe Museum. The last one, signed Francois Joseph Camus is illustrated in Les Montres et Horloges de Table du Musée du Louvre, Catherine Cardinal.

Oignon watches were made following the most significant milestones in watch history, Christian Huyguens' invention of the balance spring. This device for accuracy in timepieces resulted in the birth of a new type of watches such as the oignon watch made in France from 1685 to 1725.  Watchmakers in France modified the dimensions to a bulbous shape, hence the name oignon. The typical shape of this watch was also adorned in some examples with specific decorations inspired by the work of famous French artists from the period such as the Bérain or the chaser and engraver Pierre Bourdon.

The upheaval caused by the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685) forced Protestant watchmakers to seek refuge abroad, therefore halting technical watchmaking in France. Various European wars forced Louis XIV to order the melting of silver and gold, including oignon watches, in order to finance the war effort. The present watch is testimony of the greatness of French craftmanship from that time.