Early 18thc. Paris ‘oignon’ verge pocket watch

An early French ‘oignon’ verge.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with a nicely engraved and pierced gilt balance bridge. Large silver regulator disk. Four elongated Egyptian pillars, with attractive silver fluted capitals.

Signed “Jétu a Paris”.

In reasonable condition though one of the silver ornamental brackets to the side of the regulator disk is missing. The steel movement catch is also absent, though the movement is held in position. Running, though sometimes stops after a few hours.

DIAL : Very attractive copper dial, with blue numerals each painted on raised enamel cartouches for hours and minutes. Inner enamel chapter ring. The copper centre is engraved with wild animals and a bird.

Unusually for an early French watch, the winding aperture is at 12, and the dial is attached to a false plate (between the dial and movement).

The false plate retains the original 3 feet to the movement, but with just one foot on the dial itself. The dial is slightly too small for the false plate so either the dial or the false plate is a replacement.

In good condition, with just a few very small chips to the enamel and a larger one to the VI cartouche, though no repairs.

Early fancy gilt hands.

CASE : A large gilt case, engraved with birds, foliage and scrolls around the bezel and back. The stem and brass bow appear to be original.

In reasonable condition with wear to the engraving and gilding on the outer surfaces. The movement hinge is fine. The bezel hinge has one sleeve missing though the bezel closes nicely. The outer rim of the bezel is quite worn in places so the crystal is secured with adhesive to hold it firmly. Good high dome bull’s eye crystal.