Early French gilt brass verge pendant watch Circa 1640

Pre balance spring single hand pendant watch by David du Chemin
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An early French gilt metal pre balance spring, singlehand verge pendant watch, circa 1640. The watch features a gilded brass full plate verge movement with turned baluster pillars, fusee and gut, short train, verge escapement, circular iron foliot, and an irregular cock secured by a screw. It has a pierced and engraved gilt brass click for the ratchet wheel mainspring set up and is signed David du Chemin, Rouen. The gilt brass dial showcases champlevé radial Roman numerals and half hour markers, with the central area filled with engraved floral decoration and a blued steel arrowhead hand. The gilt metal scalloped case is engraved with a repeated pattern, has a round pendant and a loose ring, and features a curved edge formed of eight lobes, with the cover later set with glass.
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Diameter: 34 mm
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Signed: David du Chemin  Rouen
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The case is in good condition, with visible engravings and some scratches and dents consistent with the watch’s age. There is a slight crack in the case bezel at 5 o’clock. The dial is in good order, with no visible cracks but with visible engravings. The movement is winding and operating properly.
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David du Chemin belonged to a family of watchmakers that included Jacques, David, and David’s son. In the mid 17th century, they moved from Rouen to Amsterdam and then returned to Rouen.