A10701

Early Rock Crystal Crucifix Watch

£26,000.00

Signed   J Gespard duVal
Circa   1630
Dimensions   39 x 53 x 25 mm         

1 in stock

Description

A fine early 17th Century French pre-balance spring verge in the form of a crucifix in gilt and rock crystal case.  Deep full plate fire gilt cruciform movement with pierced and engraved pillars.  Fusee and chain with worm and wheel barrel setup on the plate with small silver index.  Pierced and engraved cock, small steel balance without spring.  Later four wheel going train.  Small teardrop shaped silver dial, centre engraved with a cathedral and below a winged heart.  Roman numerals, small single gilt hand.  Engraved gilt crucifix shaped mask with curved ends.  Fine rock crystal case, both halves mounted in engraved gilt frames.

A rare early rock crystal crucifix watch in excellent condition.  Unusually, although the train has been improved, it has not been fitted with a balance spring.  Jean Gespard Duval, circa 1600.  Octagonal crystal watch in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.