Fine French gold one-handed verge pocket watch Circa 1660

Gold verge watch in a leather case by Nicolas Massy
–
A French gold watch with leather case and stud decoration, circa 1660.
Gilt full plate movement, pierced and engraved balance bridge, plain three-arm balance, early short balance spring with rack and worm screw regulator. Enamel dial with Roman radial hours, outer minutes track, and steel single-hand. Gold leather case with stud decoration. Movement signed.
–
Diameter: 35 mm
–
Signed: Nicolas Massy A Blois
–
Nicholas Massy (Nicolas) was born in Blois on May 9 1624, to Nicholas Massy I and Esther Gribelin, daughter of the watchmaker Simon Gribelin I. He married Suzanne Gribelin, daughter of Isaac Gribelin and Anne Cuper, on May 29, 1661. From this marriage, several children were born. Michel Massy, ​​Anne Massy, Henry Massy and Nicholas Massy III. Nicholas moved with his family to London as Huguenot refugees and, in 1682, became a member of the Clockmakers Company. Nicholas Massy died in 1698.