JEAN DELACOMBES | A RARE GILT METAL AND ROCK CRYSTAL CRUCIFORM VERGE WATCH WITH LEATHER OUTER PROTECTIVE CASECIRCA 1650

• Movement: gilded full plate cruciform, verge escapement, flat steel two-arm balance, decoratively pierced and floral engraved screwed-on balance cock and foot, similar decorated cock with large and elaborate foot surrounding the blued steel wheel and click set-up and winding square, vase-shaped pillars, fusee and gut line, signed Jean Delacombes • Dial: silver chapter ring with Roman numerals, set upon a gilded plate engraved with scrolling flowers and foliage, an engraved townscape to the centre, blued steel hand• Case: multi-faceted rock crystal covers to front and back, gilt metal mounts, gilded pendant and turned terminal• Accompaniments: leather covered cruciform outer protective case

Antiquorum Geneva, 18 April 1998, lot 176

Movement: The fusee is intact but the watch does not appear to be running. The balance is free however. Dial, in good order with crisp engraving throughout. There is some tarnishing or a possible soldering mark above the 12 on the chapter. Case:The watch is in fine and original condition. The large 'cliquet' for the barrel set-up is most unusual and rare. Protecting case used to have two catches.
"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."

During the second quarter of the 17th century the cruciform watch case was a fashionable design and, by the middle of the century, examples with rock crystal cases were being produced. The movements of these watches were specially designed and were also formed in the shape of a crucifix. The ornate appearance of watches such as these acted as expressions of their owner's wealth and social status.