Fonnereau

Fonnereau, Rochelle, circa 1650. Very fine and rare gilt-metal and rock crystal crucifix watch, in original silver protecting case, with original silver crank key. Gilt-brass two piece frame engraved with delicate foliage and hatch-work. Hinged faceted rock crystal cover and back, loose-rig pendant and button finial. Silk lined silver protecting case. Hinged gilt-brass dial plate engraved with implements of the scourge and crucifixion. Applied silver dial, the centre engraved with a small village, Roman hour chapters with half-hour divisions. Single balluster-turned blued-steel hand. Hinged shaped gilt-brass full plate with turned urn pillars, fusee with gut line,three wheel train, verge escapement, two-arm steel balance without spring, irregular oval foliage pierced and engraved cock secured by a screw, with matching click for the ratchet wheel set-up. Signed on the back plate. hl very good condition. Dims. 57 x 31 mm.(excluding ring) Notes It is extremely rare to find a watch of this period, in such a good condition, still in its original protecting case with the crank key. Zacharie Fonnereau, originated from Geneva, but was apprentice in Lyon in 1618 where he became Compagnon in 1622. Master watchmaker in 1641 he settled in La Rochelle.