Jean Hubert Louis XIV Oignon Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1700
This Jean Hubert oignon pocket watch, attributed to circa 1700, is a large, gilt brass, Louis XIV-style timepiece with a mock pendulum feature. Measuring 65 mm in diameter, the watch is encased in a double-body gilt brass housing decorated with engraved inhabited foliage.
The back of the case features a decorative scene depicting Venus accompanied by four cherubs holding a cornucopia. The gilt brass dial incorporates Roman numerals and Arabic minute chapters set on individual enamel cartouches, paired with blued steel hands. The movement is a hinged gilt brass full plate construction supported by Egyptian pillars. It is equipped with a fusee and chain, a verge escapement, a plain three-arm steel balance, and a short, flat balance spring.
Regulation is achieved via a rack and pinion mechanism. The gilt brass cock is intricately engraved with inhabited foliage and a central warrior profile, also housing the pendulum aperture.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1700
- Type
- Oignon pocket watch
- Maker
- Jean Hubert
- Diameter
- 65 mm
- Dial features
- Gilt brass with enamel cartouches
- Movement type
- Full plate with verge escapement
- Place recorded
- France
- Case decoration
- Inhabited foliage with mythological scene
- Signature location
- Cock and back plate
- Maker / attribution
- Jean Hubert
Design
- Visible features
- • Large 65 mm diameter case • Engraved Venus and cherubs case back • Enamel cartouche hour and minute markers • Balance cock includes pendulum aperture
- Movement and Escapement
- The internal mechanism consists of a hinged gilt brass full plate movement secured by Egyptian-style pillars. Power is delivered via a fusee and chain system. The watch utilizes a verge escapement connected to a plain three-arm steel balance and a short, flat balance spring. For adjustment, the movement includes a rack and pinion regulator. A notable decorative feature is the gilt brass balance cock, which is engraved with foliage and a profile figure of a warrior. This cock also serves the functional purpose of framing the pendulum aperture associated with the mock pendulum complication.
- Signatures and Condition
- The watch bears the signature of the maker, Jean Hubert of Rouen, associated with the shop 'au Grand Monarque'. The maker's name is inscribed on both the balance cock and the main movement back plate. The auction description reports that the object is in very good condition. No specific restoration details are provided in the source text.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch features a large, double-body gilt brass oignon case measuring 65 mm in diameter. The exterior surface displays dense engraving of inhabited foliage, a style consistent with the period of manufacture. The case back acts as a decorative panel, centering a depiction of the figure Venus surrounded by four cherubs, with one figure carrying a cornucopia. The dial is constructed of gilt brass and utilizes individual enamel cartouches to display both Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minute markers. The time is indicated by blued steel hands, which contrast against the intricate brass scrollwork of the dial plate.
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.
Research required
- Research required: Exact manufacturing date is an estimate
- Research required: Condition is reported by the auction description only