• A rare late 17^th Century French oignon alarm with mock pendulum in a shagreen covered gilt metal case. Deep full plate fire gilt movement with slender Egyptian pillars. Fusee and chain. Large engraved bridge cock an aperture pierced to reveal the bob on the steel balance. Silver regulator disc adjusting a blue steel rack. Engraved resting barrel for the alarm, steel double headed hammer driven by a steel crown wheel and striking a bell in the case. Wound through the engraved gilt metal dial, white enamel hour ring and cartouches with blue Roman numerals. In the centre a rotating engraved gilt disc, the alarm time indicated by the tail of the later single blue steel hand. Large gilt metal consular case covered in shagreen, gilt metal pendant and ring bow. Opening the front bezel reveals the gilt inner bezel pierced and engraved to allow the bell to be heard clearly
• Signed __________Pia a Paris
• Circa 1690
• Diameter 59 mm - Depth 21.5 mm
• Condition
• ==> Case _______ Excellent.
• ==> Dial ._______ Excellent.
• ==> Movement __ Excellent.

A rare French watch. The case is not pierced as the alarm was designed only to be used at night when it would have been left beside the bed with the front bezel open.

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