FONNEREAU, la Rochelle

Lot 12
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Estimation :
15000 - 20000 EUR
Result with fees
Result : 42 900EUR
FONNEREAU, la Rochelle
Watch in gilded metal and rock crystal, spiral pre-balance, in the form of a cross Case on hinge finely chiseled on the edges, the cover and the back in rock crystal, safety catch to rotate the main body of the watch to see the movement. Silvered dial with engraved lake scene, Roman numerals, fully engraved with floral and foliage motifs around the edge, the figure of Christ in the lower part, a lantern, a rooster and a jar in the upper part. Mechanical movement with key winding, the plate decorated with foliage and flowers in relief, pre-spring balance, chased and pierced cock, spindle and hose, escapement with verge, embellished click, signature on the plate "Fonnereau à La Rochelle". Dim. 46,5 x 33,5 mm Gross weight. 47.2 gr Zacharie Fonnereau, listed in Le Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Tardy, p. 232, was born in Geneva. He became an apprentice in Lyon in 1618, and a journeyman in 1622. This example of a crucifix watch is similar to the finest creations of this watchmaker, who set up shop in La Rochelle. The Tardy dictionary mentions a watch similar to this one: “He signed a watch in the form of a cross: Z Fonnereau La Rochelle”. Several crucifix watches dating from this period are cited in the Louvre's Collection of Watches and Table Clocks, illustrated on pages 68 to 78, vol. II (Catherine Cardinal, Réunion des Musées Nationaux). There is also a crucifix watch by Fonnereau in the collections of Geneva's Museum of Art and History.
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