French gold filigree decorated verge pendant watch Circa 1695

Gold watch with filigree decoration by Pierre Débaufré
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A very fine French gold decorated verge pendant watch, circa 1695. This watch boasts an enamel dial and a full plate movement with a verge escapement. The gold case is adorned with intricate filigree detailing over a layer of enamel. The watchmaker is Pierre Debaufré, whose signature graces the movement. The watch is marked with the eagle’s head, the Paris restricted warranty mark for gold that has been used since 1847.
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Diameter: 35 mm
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Signed: Debaufré à Paris
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Baufre, Pierre de (also Debeaufre, Débaufré, Peter), French watchmaker
De Baufre came from Paris and was made master in 1675. He later settled in London (Church St.; St Annes). From 1689 to 1722, he was a member of the Clockmakers Company. On May 1, 1704, together with Jacob Debaufre and Nicolas Fatio de Duillier, he received the English patent no. 371 for the sole production of bearings for watches made of precious stones. However, they were prevented from doing so by the Clockmakers Company with fierce resistance. Around 1705, Pierre de Baufre succeeded in using the cylinder of a clock To craft a Sautrogh escapement from a diamond. Later, he made a static escapement featuring two attached pallets on the balance staff. It is known that Isaac Newton wore a Debaufre watch. His brothers Jacob and Peter are said to have been involved in the 1704 patent.