Important Watches

French

A yellow gold hour and half-hour striking oignon watch with white enamel cartouches, Circa 1690

Session begins in

September 19, 03:00 AM GMT

Estimate

100,000 - 200,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

French

A yellow gold hour and half-hour striking oignon watch with white enamel cartouches, Circa 1690

Dial: gilt with white enamel cartouches

Calibre: keywound verge movement with chain and fusée transmission

Case: yellow gold

Size: 56 mm diameter

Accessories: winding key

The present watch is a fine example of the French oignon pocket watch, a distinctive form popular during the late seventeenth century. Its richly engraved gold case showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of French goldsmiths and engravers of the period, transforming the watch into both a timekeeping instrument and a work of decorative art. The gilt brass dial, with blue Roman hour numerals on white enamel cartouches, further reflects the elegance and refinement of French horology of the era. Fitted with a fusee and verge movement, and further distinguished by its striking mechanism, this rare timepiece combines historical significance, technical sophistication and decorative artistry.

Gold oignons from the Louis XIV period are absolute rarities, and made for only the highest demands. To the best of our knowledge, only a handful of such similar examples are known, by reputation one or two of them are in the Patek Philippe Museum and one is in the Louvre.

法國製

黃金整點及半點報時洋蔥錶，備琺瑯時標，約1690年製

附帶鑰匙

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."