Exceptional French gilt repoussé oignon watch Circa 1715

Gilt repoussé oignon watch by Nicolas Duquesne
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An exceptional French gilt repoussé oignon pocket watch, circa 1715. French verge movement, signed plate, unusually large and beautifully decorated silver regulating disc, magnificent silver verge bridge, bird scenes and grotesque faces, large fusee, very unusual pillars splendidly decorated and partly made of silver, fire-gilt and engraved protection for the chain. Dial with enamel cartouches and later steel hands. Lavish repoussé scene of chariots to the case back, soldiers and putti, natural patina.
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Diameter: 61 mm
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Weight: 191 g
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Signed: Duquesne A PARIS
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Nicolas Duquesne (died 1733) was first mentioned in Paris in the Abbaye Saint-Germain des Prés in 1713 and in the Rue de la Comédie Française in 1715. He married first in 1716 and a second time in 1728. He was later listed in the Rue des Grands Augustins and in the Rue Dauphinet.