French turquoise-set oignon watch with date Circa 1630-1670

Leather, turquoise-set oignon watch by Estienne Ester
–
A very interesting and early French oignon pocket watch with turquoise and date, circa 1630-1670. Very early verge movement, extraordinary cylindrical pillars, filigree worked cock, typical for the time 1630-1670, very early hairspring. Later, probably around 1760, white enamel dial with Roman hours and Arabic five minutes, central date display, iron hands. Unusual decorated case, the back with leather cover, the front engraved with birds and squirrels, turquoise-set.
–
Diameter: 60 mm
–
Weight: 150 g
–
Signed: Estienne Ester
–
Not much is known about Estienne Ester. He was the son of Jean-Henry Ester, studied with Jean-Baptiste Duboule in 1643, was a master from 1652 and was still working in 1684.