French decorative single handed verge oignon watch Circa 1670

Gilt open faced pocket watch by Gilles Martinot
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An early French single hand gilt oignon verge watch with central winding, circa 1670. This watch features a full plate gilt movement with keywind and chain/fusee mechanisms, complemented by Egyptian pillars, a verge escapement, and a three arm iron balance. The gilt dial showcases blue radial Roman numerals on enamel cartouches, adorned with finely chased and engraved ornamental Arabesque designs in the center. It has a central winding with a blued filigree single hand. The gilt case is decorated with intricate engravings and has a hinged case back. The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Signed: Martinot à Paris
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The movement is in working order. The enamel cartouches show some losses and discolouration, which is consistent with the watch’s age. The case remains in nice, crisp condition. Overall, the watch is in very good condition.
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Gilles Martinot, a renowned Parisian watchmaker, was born in 1658 to Balthazar Martinot (1610-1697) and Catherine Hubert. He had siblings named Balthazar Martinot, Etienne Martinot, and Claude Martinot. In 1687, he married Élisabeth Lejeune and became the father of Louis Henry Martinot.
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Martinot established his career as a clockmaker in Paris and served as the court clockmaker to Louis XIV. His workshop was located at ‘Au Chandelier d’or’ on Rue de Harley from 1687 to 1689 and later at ‘Au Cadran’ on Quai d’Orfèvres from 1696 to 1718. Starting in 1702, he collaborated with his eldest brother Balthazar and Jean de Hautefeuille to produce clocks featuring balance wheels and springs, utilising a design by Hautefeuille.
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On July 21, 1701, Gilles Martinot, along with his brother Balthazar Martinot, served as a witness at the wedding of Pascal Hubert to Marie Marguerite Lorin, where they were both identified as cousins. Gilles Martinot passed away on February 5, 1726, in Rue de Harley, Paris.