Single Hand Verge by Vitrolles

An early French ‘oignon’ verge, with single handed movement and fine gilt dial.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with a very large and beautifully engraved and pierced balance bridge, showing birds, foliage and scrolls. Small, early style silver regulator disk. Signed ‘VITROLLES A PARIS’.

The movement is wound anticlockwise from the steel square in the centre of the dial.
The hand is driven from the 2nd wheel of the movement train (no central wheel as with a two handed watch).

The fusee cone is very deeply grooved, and driven by a woven cord rather than a chain. All in good condition, though the fusee sometimes slips a couple of teeth when being wound. Running well.

DIAL : Beautiful gilt dial, with repousse centre decorated with birds, foliage and two masks. In good condition, with one old repair around the opening catch at 6.

The steel hand is of the correct style for the period, but is probably a reproduction.

CASE : A plain gilt case, with simple circles embossed on the back for decoration. The bow and stem are later replacements (late 18thc.).

In good condition with just some wear to the gilding, especially on the bezel. The hinges are fine and both the bezel closes nicely.
Good high dome bull’s eye crystal in perfect condition.

Vitrolles is listed in Paris from about 1650 until about 1710. This watch probably dates from the late 17thc.