109th Auction
2023/11/18
Lot 80
LangloisOignon
An extremely rare, one-handed Parisian verge pocket watch "Oignon" with alarm in a lavishly decorated leather-covered outer protective case
Sold
estimated
5.000—7.000 €
Price realized
4.500 €
specific features
Case
Outer case - silver, applied leather with stud decoration. Inner case - silver, the band elaborately pierced with foliate scrolls, rear bell.
Dial
Enamel, domed, blue Roman numerals, central alarm disc with Arabic numerals.
Movement
Fine full plate movement, chain/fusee, florally engraved barrel for alarm train, 1 hammer, three-arm steel balance.
Diam.62 mm
Circa1690
Ctry.France
Wt.236 g
The outer case is in excellent condition. The edge is fitted with silver-framed sound holes and the back is decorated with a stylised flower made from silver studs. The silver inner case is likewise extensively ornamented with an openwork edge and baroque-style engraving. The cartouche on the loose ring pendant features the engraved view of a city and is particularly attractive.
This watchmaker is probably Jacques Langlois (d. c. 1715), who, together with Martinot and Gribelin, tried to make watches with the balance spring devised by Jean de Hautefeuille.