N K (or N R

N K (or N R), and Bruno F (ecit). or F(rate) ?, German, circa 1650. Highly important and fine gold and enamel 'savonette' pendant watch, decorated with the story of Saint Francis of Paolo, and the harbour of Messina. wo-part, the band enamelled en ronde bosse with flowers and foliage on a matted ground, the cover and back enamelled on both the interior and exterior surfaces with scenes relating to the life of Saint Francis of Paola, and signed Bruno F.(small chip on cover) Ring pendant, small button finial. GiIt-brass with Roman numerals, half and quarter-hour divisions, the centre engraved with summer flowers on a hatched ground. Single gilt-brass hand (point lacking). Notes This apparently unique and extraordinary watch poses several questions concerning its origins and iconography. Details in the movement and the style and technique used in the construction of the case point very strongly to a German watchmaker and enameller. Notably:the use of a chain for the fusee, which would be most unusual for French work of the period, the fitting (originally) of a bristle regulator ,virtually unknown on French watches ,and the gilt-metal dial with a gold case, which is again to be more usually associated with German work. Furthermore, there are few French makers with the initiais N K , and indeed, the florid style of the monogram is stylistically far more likely to be of germanic origin. At the time of writing, it has not been possible to establish with certainty the identit Read more…