DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Robin à Paris (Robert, born 1742, died 1809, see below), gold and enamel quarter repeating verge fusee, dumb-striking on block, 43mm, 18K OF original consular case with various French hallmarks from 1770-1780, raised basse-taille and champlevé enamel decoration, KWKS, WED, verge escapement, gilt mvt with unique openwork five-pointed star two-footed balance bridge s#398. Gross weight of assembled watch 46.6 dwt (72.5 g). According to Brian Loomes indispensable "Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, Complete 21st Century Edition," source of most of our early watch identifications, Robin was "Clockmaker to Louis XV and XVI, to the Queen, and in 1795, to the République." He is well known for his special lever escapement taking impulse from the balance (1791), a decimal watch design (1794), and his numerous horological memoirs. The present example is in exceptional condition, not only signed on upper plate but also signed by the latch on the plate carrying dial and hinge.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running but in need of lubrication, good escapement function, plates show near mint gilding, no oxide on steel components; good repeat function, strong tapping sound on block; dial nearly perfect, scratches by winding hole looking like hls, infinitesimal microfleck at hole; hands later, excellent blue; mint original case shows hardly any wear, perfect delicate enamel work, hardly any MFS, no dents or dings; button latch good; bow & pendant original, tight, little worn; good domed glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
-
$3000
PRICE SOLD:
$3200
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