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388 - Jean-Baptiste BAILLON, Paris
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Estimate €6,000 - €8,000
Sale commission
Description
Jean-Baptiste BAILLON, Paris Important pocket watch known as an ‘Oignon’, with striking mechanism Louis XV period, circa 1740–1750 A rare and precious timepiece in 18-carat yellow gold (750 parts per thousand). - ‘Onion’-style case, round and thick, in yellow gold; the back is chiselled with a floral design. A glass bezel opening onto the dial. Suspension loop. - White enamel dial displaying the hours in Roman numerals and the minutes in Arabic numerals on the outer rim. ‘Louis XV’ hands in gold, finely cut and engraved. Signed ‘Baptiste Baillon’ in the centre. - Movement: mechanical, key-wound (cock), with a circular gilded brass plate. Verge escapement (meeting wheel), silver fast/slow adjustment disc. Coq in finely chiselled and open-worked gilded metal. On-demand striking mechanism for hours and quarters on a gong. Movement signed ‘Baptiste Baillon Paris’ and numbered 1855. Diameter: 52 cm Gross weight: 111.64 g Condition: Very good overall condition, showing slight signs of wear and micro-scratches from use. The chiselling on the reverse retains good definition. Enamel in good condition. Functionality is not guaranteed. A full service is recommended for this vintage timepiece. Note: Jean-Baptiste Baillon, watchmaker to Marie Leszczynska and later to Marie-Antoinette, was renowned for his mechanisms of extreme complexity and precision. Gold ‘onion’ watches with a striking complication are far rarer than their silver or gilt-metal counterparts, making this example an exceptional showpiece for any collector of antique fine watchmaking.
See original version (French)
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About the sale Jewellery, Collectors’ Watches and Fashion
Auction location
Auction time 09/17/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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