- 13
Simon De Charmes, London
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Simon De Charmes, London
- A RARE AND UNUSUAL SILVER-GILT PAIR CASED VERGE WATCH WITH MOCK PENDULUM AND CONCEALED ENAMEL PORTRAIT OF A LADYCIRCA 1710
- Gold
- diameter of outer case 57mm, inner case 48mm
• Movement: gilded full plate, the backplate with polychrome enamel painted portrait of a lady, verge escapement, fusee and chain, Egyptian pillars
• Dial: gilded champlevé dial, off-set chapter ring with black Roman numerals, half hour divisions between and to the ring beneath, outer Arabic minute ring, the centre and surround with scrolling foliage against a stippled ground, regulation between 7 and 8 o'clock, crescent shaped aperture beneath 6 o'clock to reveal the balance in the form of a pendulum, an engraved winged putto beneath, blued steel tulip and poker hands, signed De Charmes, London
• Cases: plain silver-gilt inner case, the back with winding aperture, inner case with maker's mark ML with cornet above • plain silver-gilt outer case, square hinge
• Dial: gilded champlevé dial, off-set chapter ring with black Roman numerals, half hour divisions between and to the ring beneath, outer Arabic minute ring, the centre and surround with scrolling foliage against a stippled ground, regulation between 7 and 8 o'clock, crescent shaped aperture beneath 6 o'clock to reveal the balance in the form of a pendulum, an engraved winged putto beneath, blued steel tulip and poker hands, signed De Charmes, London
• Cases: plain silver-gilt inner case, the back with winding aperture, inner case with maker's mark ML with cornet above • plain silver-gilt outer case, square hinge
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 157, pl. 83
Condition
Movement running at time of cataloguing and appears to be in clean condition. The enamel plaque also appears to be in good condition. Dial in refreshed condition. Inner case with some light pitting and scuffs, pendant and bow later replacements. Outer case with some rubbing to gilding and light indentations. Covers close securely.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
Catalogue Note
Simon de Charmes and David, probably his son, were Frenchmen who became Free Brothers of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1691. Their watches are in the English style but tend, as in the design of this watch, to display strong Continental overtones. The dial is handsomely arranged with an off-set chapter ring beneath which an aperture reveals the balance, an arm of which is affixed with a disc to mimic the action of a pendulum.
The placement of the balance to the movement’s top plate allows for the addition of the enamel portrait plaque to the backplate. A similar watch by De Charmes is known (Jonathan Snellenberg’s catalogue, April 1997) which shows a nearly identical portrait thought to be of the Duchesse de Fontanges (1660-1681), mistress of Louis XIV. The lady has much the same dress and hair style, the significant difference being that the hair has a ribbon omitted in the present portrait, tied on the left-hand side. It is said that the Duchesse – who was considered a great beauty - tied the ribbon in her hair after she lost her hat whilst riding and that, thereafter, the ladies of the court wore their hair up, tied with a fontange, this fashion spreading to England.