A FINE GILT AND ROCK CRYSTAL PRE BALANCE SPRING PENDANT WATCH WITH CONTEMPORARY INLAID EBONY DISPLAY STAND
Date: First quarter 17th century
Movement: Gilt oval plates joined by baluster pillars, secured in the case by two springs fixed under the dial which are released by two buttons on either side of the chapter ring, verge escapement, fusee with gut line, ratchet and pawl mainspring setup, pinned cock pierced and engraved with flowers, flat steel balance
Dial: Oval with border of scrolling floral vines on textured ground, applied silvered roman chapter ring enclosing vignette of figure with sack approaching a windmill beside a stream, blued baluster hand
Case: Octagonal with hinged gilt bezels engraved on the interior with flowering vines securing front and back lids of faceted rock crystal within a ribbon tied reeded molding, the faceted sides with turned drop and loose ring pendant.
Size: The stand 7 in (18 cm) high, the watch case 41x48 mm excluding pendant
Accompaniments: The stand on molded rectangular base with brass inlaid plinth incorporating gilt repousse panels of scrolling foliage inhabited by game supporting a pair of turned tapered columns spanned by an arched capital with gilt urn finial
Footnotes:
The present watch is one of very few late 16th / early 17th century watches to survive in its original condition. A pendant jewel more than a pocket watch, it was probably never carried as a timepiece. It may owe its survival to the protection provided by the ebony stand made for it.

Although unsigned, the curious feature of a windmill engraved in the dial center begs the question whether the watch might be Dutch. Another watch with the same style of movement, also unsigned and with a windmill on the dial was sold by Auktionen Dr. Crott, May 15, 2015, Lot 69, described as possibly Dutch.

Except as expressly set forth in the Conditions of Sale, all watches are sold 'as is.' Condition reports are statements of opinion based on visual inspection and may not include all defects or replacements or those that would be revealed by disassembly of the watch.
Although we endeavor to mention in our descriptions significant defects, needed repairs, WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE DESCRIPTIONS ARE COMPREHENSIVE. We do not warrant any watch to be in good working order or warrant the accuracy of any watch function. Any repairs that might be required are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Please note that Bonhams does not warrant that any component watch part is original or that watch cases have not been altered or replaced, as virtually all pre-owned watches may have been previously repaired and could include replacement parts. A manufacturer's certificate of authenticity is not available unless described in the catalog description of a lot, and a manufacturer's refusal to service or repair a timepiece due to the presence of replacement parts shall not constitute grounds to rescind a sale.
Case screw-backs have been loosened for examination and viewing by Bonhams, and should be resealed by purchasers for water resistance. The dimensions given refer to the diameter of circular watch cases, excluding the lugs (in the case of a wristwatch) or the pendant (in the case of a pocket watch). For watches of other shapes, the corresponding width is given.