JEAN ROUSSEAU | SILVER MEMENTO MORI SKULL FORM WATCHCIRCA 1650

Dial: silver, Roman chapter, foliate engraved centreMovement: gilt full plate verge, cut and pierced foliate engraved balance cock secured by a screw, flat steel balance, worm and wheel set up, fusée and gut lineCase: silver in the detailed form of a skullDimensions: 34mm width x 41mm length x 34mm height, dial 26mm diameter Signed: movementAccessories: none

DIAL: in good condition with wear commensurate with age, there is a minor dent at X, the black infill is intact. hand in good condition CASE: in overall good condition with some wear on the case in certain places MOVEMENT: gut fusee intact, running at the time of cataloguing Please note that the movement has not been tested for 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.
"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."

Jean Rousseau (1606-1684) was an important and well known watchmaker and Master of the Clockmakers' Company of Geneva. He was particularly known for making form watches, such as the present and following lot in this sale. The sumptuary orders introduced by Calvin in the late 16^th century expressly forbid the manufacture of crosses, chalices or other ‘idolatory’ instruments of worship. Some decades later, and perhaps even in reaction to this period saw a demand for form watches such as this. Although the human skull in miniature as a symbol of death had a long history dating back to the medieval period. This skull is cast with detailed indentations and engravings to the hinged outer and, as was often the case with these types of watches, also has subtle religious motifs on the dial.

With thanks to David Thompson for the help with this footnote

For a similar example see,  David Thompson, 'Watches at the British Museum, P.46