Sotheby's important watches sale offers rare antiques from 1574-1900

This French oval gilt-metal pre-hairspring watch by Estienne Papon is among the watches for sale

As we previously reported, Sotheby's autumn sale of Important Watches on Sunday 13 November 2011 will be spearheaded by two Rolex wristwatches that belonged to leaders of the post‐World War II era.

But also appearing for sale is a range of antique timepieces dating from 1574‐1900.

Covering four centuries, from the late 16^th century to the early 20^th century, this section showcases iconic pieces produced for all continents by the greatest European watchmakers of their time.

The oldest piece in the sale is a French early oval gilt‐metal pre‐hairspring verge watch with alarm made by Estienne Papon in Gien circa 1574.

A French oval gilt‐metal pre‐hairspring verge watch by Estienne Papon

A testament to the major scientific and artistic developments that characterised the 16^th century in Europe, this striking piece of history is offered for sale with an estimate of CHF 30,000‐50,000/$33,300‐55,500.

At the end of the 16^th century and in the first half of the 17^th century, the French city of Blois became one of the most important horological centres in Europe, where watchmakers to the French Kings were established.

The sale will include a silver and gilt oval verge watch made in Blois circa 1630 by Nicolas Lemaindre (1598‐1648). Watchmaker to Catherine and Marie de Medici, Lemaindre created pieces of exceptional craftsmanship.

A silver pair‐cased repousse clock watch dating from circa 1700

Some of these are found today in the collections of the Louvre, Paris and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (est. CHF 10,000‐15,000/ $11,100‐16,700).

Characteristic of the 17^th century puritan style is also a silver pair‐cased repousse clock watch dating from circa 1700 and signed Beauvais, London (est. CHF 8,000‐12,000/$8,900‐13,300).

Watch this space for more news on the sale.

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Images: Sotheby's