Swiss gold agate one-handed pocket watch Circa 1650-1660

Decorative  pocket watch by Charles Bobinet
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A Swiss gold, agate, one-handed pre-balance spring Geneva pocket watch, circa 1650-1660.
A beautiful piece of horology, this signed full plate movement boasts a stunning combination of gilded brass and partly blued steel. The gut/fusee mechanism is complemented by pierced flower pillars and applied blued pierced click work, all working together to create a mesmerizing spectacle. The verge escapement adds further sophistication to the movement, while the florally pierced and engraved balance cock is a testament to the maker’s craftsmanship. The white enamel dial, with a decor in the centre, features Roman radial hours, quarter- and half-hour markers, and a gold hand. The gold and agate case with enamelled gold mounts adds to the overall beauty of the piece, making it a true work of art.
This masterpiece is signed on the back plate by none other than Charles Bobinet, a renowned maker in the world of horology. His signature is a mark of quality and authenticity.
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Diameter: 33 mm
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Signed: Charles Bobinet
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Geneva was renowned for its watchmaking industry, and Charles Bobinet was a prominent figure in this field. While rock crystal was a popular choice for making watch cases, Bobinet also supplied movements for cases made from various types of hard stone, each with unique patterns. One such example is a watch with a pristine white enamel dial calibrated to show fifteen-minute intervals with a single hand. These dials were inspired by those on watches with enamelled cases that originated in France around 1655-60. The combination of the intricate stone patterns and the simple yet effective dial design made for a truly remarkable timepiece. Bobinet’s innovative approach to watchmaking helped cement Geneva’s reputation as a hub of horological excellence.