Early French quarter repeating oignon watch circa 1710

Oignon watch with unusual repeating mechanism by De Covigny
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A rare and early French oignon watch with an unusual repeating mechanism, circa 1710. Verge movement, silver pillars, silver verge bridge worked with bird scenes, extraordinary large silver regulating disc, early striking mechanism with only one hammer for the hours and quarter hours. Original white enamel dial (damaged at the opening lever) with Roman hours and Arabic five minutes, probably original hands. Case with lateral hinge, fine sound openings, richly decorated with Roccailles and animal scenes, showing a story on several cartouches where a man’s dog is attacked by an eagle, bell, case pin for finding the silent repeating device. Movement signed.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Weight: 140 g
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Signed: De Covigny à Paris
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An almost identical watch can be found in the Musée Calvet, a French museum in Avignon. Thanks to the richness and importance of its collections it is considered a classical French art museum, mainly with objects from the period 1600-1900.