Swiss 22K gold, enamel and agate pendant watch Circa 1630

Gold one handed verge
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A magnificent Swiss 22 carat gold, enamel and agate pendant watch, made by Rousseau in Geneva, circa 1630. The case with gold frame decorated with white and green translucent champleve enamel decoration, the pendant and button finial en suite, plain oval back cut from a single large piece of agate. Gold dial with Roman numerals on a white enamel chapter ring, the center of translucent green enamel over engine turning and a gold single hand. An oval shaped, hinged gilt brass full plate movement with turned baluster pillars, three wheel train, fusee with gut line, verge escapement, steel two arm balance without spring, irregular foliage pierced gilt brass cock secured by a pin, the matching ratchet wheel set up click with blued steel wheel and spring. Signature on the movement.
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Dimensions: 47 x 31 mm
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Signed: Rousseau, Geneva
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Except for the watches made of rock crystal, watch cases carved from semiprecious stones with gold and enamel mounting are extremely rare. Most of them were produced in Germany. It is therefore exceptional to find such a watch with the signature of a Geneva watchmaker. Most of the few others known to exist were in the Collection of the King of Naples.