Beautiful Belgium gilt watch from Baltasar de Paep Circa 1600

Pocket watch from Baltasar de Paep
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Belgium, Antwerp, circa 1600.
The gilded and ornamented case of this watch is covered with ground crystals on both sides and with coloured semiprecious stones on the sides.
Full plate fire gilt movement, verge escapement, pierced and engraved cock, pierced and engraved foot. Pre-balance spring. Front and back cover with rock crystal.
Steel single hand, chapter ring with black Roman numerals.
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Signed: Baltasar de Paep Anver
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In the beginning, small watches were rather pieces of jewellery than timepieces. These watches were not worn in the pocket but open on a necklace. An hour hand was sufficient for the time reading because the accuracy of the watch was still very low.