French decorative single-hand verge pocket watch Circa 1700

Gilt pocket watch with open face by Philippe Papillon
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A rare, single-hand French decorative, engraved and chased spindle Oignon pocket watch with pendulum balance and central winding, circa 1700.
Full plate movement, chain/fusee, two-armed steel balance with pendulum, finely floral engraved balance cock, verge escapement. Fire-gilded case, finely chased, hallmarked and engraved. Fire-gilded chased and engraved dial, enamel cartouches with blue radial Roman numerals, separate enamel cartouches with blue points for the minutes, blued steel hand. Movement signed.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Weight: 173 g
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Signed: Philippe Papillon à Abbeville
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Oignons were a French speciality during the last 30 years of the Sun King’s reign and little beyond. Oignons, with only one pointer, are always drawn through the centre of the pointer, where a steel gear wheel under the dial transfers the power to another that is attached to the worm shaft. It is believed that there were workshops in France to manufacture oignon blanks, but no such blanks have yet been found. The large distance between the plates of the oignons makes the movements very clear, and the viewer can see the individual parts and functions of the same as on a large model, making these watches so special. The Oignon is a robust, usable pocket watch.
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Philippe Papillon, French watchmaker
Philippe Papillon was born or baptized on Saturday, January 7th, 1673, in Abbeville in the parish of Saint Georges to François Papillon and Anne Leroy. He worked as a master clockmaker in Abbeville around 1700. He married Marie Isabelle Elisabeth Acloque (ca 1678-1738 ) on September 14 , 1700 in Abbeville. From this marriage, ten children were born, three boys and seven girls; some children did not grow up.