Lot 92

A. Enderlin à Bale

A rare Basle quarter repeating "Oignon" with polychrome enamelled balance bridge, depicting a portrait of a distinguished lady

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This is a typical example of an "oignon" - a large watch fitted with a simple construction and easily readable dial. To emphasise the beautiful sound of the repeater the edge of the back lid is open worked and ornamented with acanthus leaf scrolls, birds of prey, shellwork and cartouched with town views. The balance cock is fitted with a polychrome enamel portrait depicting a lady in a low-cut dress wearing a powder wig.

Andreas Enderlin (1681-1733) descended from an important family of clock and watchmakers in Basle and later in Strasbourg. Some of the works of the Enderlin family are in the historical museum in Basle.
Source: "Meister der Uhrmacherkunst" (masters of watchmaking) by Juergen Abeler, 2nd edition, Wuppertal 2010, p. 136.