Jaquet Droz quarter striking clock-watch with center seconds

Technical characteristics

Type

Quarter striking pocket watch

Maker

Jaquet Droz

Provenance

Previously sold by Antiquorum in 2001

Dial details

White enamel with radial Roman numerals

Movement type

Frosted gilt full-plate with cylinder escapement

Place recorded

London

Case construction

Three-body with hinged bezel and back

Movement signature

Signed on the movement

Striking mechanism

Quarter striking on a bell

Maker / attribution

Jaquet Droz

Literature reference

Orologi della collezione Ruscitti

Design

Visible features

• Case features a pearl-set hinged bezel and back • Dial displays an outer seconds track with Arabic numerals for quarters • The balance cock is pierced in the form of the name 'Droz' • The scene on the back cover is rendered in enamel on a translucent blue ground

Case and Dial Aesthetics

The watch is housed in a three-body gold case, designed with a focus on ornamental enamel work and pearl settings. Both the hinged bezel and the hinged case back are encircled by rows of pearls, complemented by dark blue and white enamel semi-circles. The central motif on the back cover consists of a finely painted scene depicting a shepherd and shepherdess within an arcadian landscape. This imagery is set against a dark blue translucent ground, accented by cream-colored enamel and multi-colored paillon borders. The dial is crafted from white enamel and utilizes radial Roman numerals for hour indication. It includes a distinct outer track for the center-seconds function, which features Arabic numerals to mark the quarters. The display is completed by a set of fine pierced gold hands, which contrast against the white ground of the dial.

Provenance and Condition

The object is documented in the publication 'Orologi della collezione Ruscitti' where it is catalogued as number 35. Historical auction records indicate that the watch was previously offered for sale by Antiquorum on October 14, 2001, as lot 602. The current condition report provided by the auction house assigns a grade of 3 to both the case and the movement.

Movement and Mechanical Function

The timepiece is powered by a 36 mm frosted gilt full-plate movement. The caliber incorporates standing barrels and employs a cylinder escapement for timekeeping. It is designed as a clock-watch capable of quarter-striking, utilizing two hammers to sound against a bell. A specific feature of the movement is the balance cock, which is pierced with foliate decoration. This decorative piercing is designed to form the name 'Droz'. The movement is signed, identifying it as a product of the Jaquet Droz firm in London.

Identification

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.