Louys Prevost gilt-metal pair cased astronomical verge watch

Technical characteristics

Type

Astronomical pair-cased verge watch

Pillars

Egyptian pillars

Escapement

Verge escapement

Place recorded

Switzerland

Movement signature

Louys Prevost

Inner case diameter

49mm

Maker / attribution

Louys Prevost

Outer case diameter

57mm

Design

Visible features

• Three silver circular dials arranged across a textured yellow-gilt plate with blued steel single hands • Three distinct curved and shaped apertures between the dials displaying astronomical and calendar indications • Outer metal bezel featuring finely chased or engraved floral and scrolling motifs

Case Construction and Ornamentation

The timepiece features a pair-cased gilt-metal housing. The cataloguer notes a plain gilt-metal inner case measuring 49 mm in diameter, equipped with a split-bezel for glass retention and a rear aperture for winding. The outer case measures 57 mm in diameter and includes a square hinge. While the visible outer bezel exhibits chased or engraved floral and scrolling motifs, the catalogue adds that the outer case is engraved with scrolls, flowers, and an urn at the centre.

Dial Arrangement and Astronomical Indications

Visual observation of the watch shows three circular silver chapter rings set into a textured yellow-gilt plate, fitted with blued steel single hands. According to the catalogue description, these subsidiary dials indicate the date, the time using Roman numerals and half-hour divisions, and the moon's age alongside an aperture for moon phases. Three distinct curved and shaped apertures are positioned between the subsidiary dials. The source specifies that these display the days of the week with corresponding astrological signs, the months with their lengths and an engraved seasonal vignette, and the periods of the day depicting a changing sky.

Movement Specifications and Maker Attribution

The movement is not visible in the provided reference photograph and is described from the auction house description. Sotheby's reports a gilded full-plate calibre signed 'Louys Prevost', fitted with Egyptian pillars, fusee and chain, a verge escapement, a three-arm flat steel balance, a short steel balance spring of two turns, a silver regulation plate, and a decoratively pierced winged balance cock and foot with scrolling flowers and foliage. The watch is dated by the auction house to circa 1700. The catalogue notes that at least two watchmakers named Louis Prevost are recorded around the late 17th and early 18th centuries: one originating from Saumur, France, active from 1660 who later emigrated to Geneva, and another recorded working in Geneva during the first quarter of the 18th century, whom the catalogue considers more likely to be the maker.

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.