DANIEL GOM, LYON | A VERY RARE SILVER VERGE WATCH IN THE FORM OF A SEA URCHINCIRCA 1640

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, flat steel two-arm balance, screwed-on balance cock decoratively pierced and engraved with a bird's head, its scrolling neck merging with flowers and foliage, long foot, blued steel wheel and click set-up with similar gilt cock, vase shaped pillars, fusee and gut line, signed Daniel Gom, Lyon• Dial: silver, centred with a townscape beside a river, a bridge in the background and figures ascending a ladder in the foreground, Roman numerals with half hour divisions between, gilded outer border engraved with scrolling flowers and foliage and two reclining female figures to the upper left and right sides• Case: silver, cast in the form of a sea urchin, the front and back covers each centred with a gilded boss, short terminal and plain ring pendant

Movement: running at time of cataloguing. Repair around one of the pinons to the backplate and a repair around the block which secures the pinion for the escape wheel. Scuffs and scratches to the backplate especially to its lower half. One of the free holding the plate to the movement has been re-riveted in place due to becoming loose at some stage in the past. Apart from expected wear, the movement appears to be in very original condition. Dial: appears to be in good overall condition for the period, the definition to the central scene is especially strong and the engraved border also retains a clear decorative scheme. Case: very attractive case, the scooped bands may have been gilded as there appears that there may be traces of gilding to some at the case back. The two applied central bosses front and back are rather sharp and presumably later. Cover closes 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."

Daniel Gom was born in 1594 and is believed to have been of either Swiss or Polish origin. He moved to Lyon where he was married in 1629 and was later appointed clockmaker to the city. Gom constructed a four dial clock for the city of Autun and, in Lyon, restored the city's cathedral clock which had previously been destroyed. In later life he appears to have succumbed to drink and Gom was dismissed in 1665. See Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, vol. 1, 1971, p.264.  For another watch by Daniel Gom, also in the form of a sea urchin, see: Sotheby's Geneva, 11 May 2008, lot 80.