Swiss gilt oignon pocket watch with enamel plaque Circa 1690

Fire gilded brass shagreen covered verge watch
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A rare automaton oignon pocket watch with an enamel plaque, possibly by the Frères Huaud, made by François Terroux in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1690. The original open faced case of this watch was crafted from fire gilded brass and is covered with shagreen, it is hinged on both sides. The face has a beautifully preserved dial showing white enamel cartouches with blue Roman hours and outer Arabic five minute numerals, a chased and engraved mythological scene in the middle and decorative hands. The movement has an early verge escapement with a very high and steep fusee, very fine pillars, a silver plate and is decorated with the polychrome enamel portrait of a lady.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Weight: 174 g
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Signed: Terroux à Genève
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These types of oignon watches with an enamel painting and automaton are museum collectors’ pieces and extremely rare.
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François Terroux (1664-1743) was the son of Gabriel Terroux. He was apprenticed to Jean-François Lachis from 1677 and became a master in 1684. Terroux was known for his pocket watches with enamel decoration, which were decorated by famous enamel painters such as the Frères Huaud or Jean André.