FRENCH | A SILVER AND GILT METAL OCTAGONAL VERGE WATCH WITH DAY, DATE, MONTH, AGES AND PHASES OF THE MOONCIRCA 1625

Movement: gilt full plate, verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance cock, gut line fusee, baluster pillarsCase: silver and gilt metal octagonal, the front engraved with folitate panels and central depiction of Saint Sebastian, the obverse with foliate panels and central depiction of John the Baptist, later plain gilt metal bandDial: gilt metal, engraved with scrolling foliate and pastoral scenes, applied silver chapter rings for date and time, Roman and Arabic numerals, aperture for months and number of days, ages and phases of the moon, and day and corresponding allegorical figure  Dimensions: 72 x 46mm Signed: movement

Antiquorum Geneva, 14th November 1993, lot 10

CASE: the lids in good condition, with scuffs throughout consistent with age. The engraving bright and lively, detail still very discernable. The gilt band probably later. DIAL: engraving still bright and detail discernable, the numerals to the chapter rigns and for other functions clear and ledgible. MOVEMENT: running at the time of catalouging. Functions advancing. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. This watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its time keeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

It is interesting to note that there is a Michel Fenie listed as working in Venice in the 17th Centruy see Brian Loomes Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, 21st Century Edition, p. 263.