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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Oignon pocket watch

Jean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier 'oignon' watch

Partially verified

This gold 'oignon' type pocket watch is attributed to Jean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier, a Parisian maker who became a Master in 1737. Measuring 52 mm in diameter, the piece features a white enamel dial with radial Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute markers. The case back is decorated with a detailed painted enamel scene depicting Apollo and the Sibyl, surrounded by a floral border; this enamel work is attributed to Jean V Mussard of Geneva. The movement is a hinged, frosted gilt full-plate calibre, equipped with square baluster pillars, a fusee and chain, and a verge escapement with a continental cock.

Frontal view of the dial and back view of the case featuring the Apollo and the Sibyl enamel painting.
Frontal view of the dial and back view of the case featuring the Apollo and the Sibyl enamel painting. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Oignon pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Jean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
124
Source-reported date
circa 1740
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Enamel Decoration

The watch is housed in a two-body gold case that functions as the primary canvas for an elaborate decorative program. The reverse of the case is decorated with a painted enamel miniature representing the mythological encounter between Apollo and the Sibyl. The scene shows the Sibyl gesturing toward the heavens in refusal of Apollo’s advances, while Apollo holds a lyre.

This central figure work is framed by an ornate border painted with polychrome floral and leaf motifs.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Two-body, back finely painted with a scene depicting Apollo and the Sibyl, border painted with leaves and flowers.”
  • “enamel painting attributed to Jean V Mussard, Geneva, circa 1740.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white enamel dial designed for legibility within the constraints of the 18th-century oignon format. It features bold, black radial Roman numerals for the hour chapters, supplemented by half-hour marks.

The outermost perimeter of the dial provides a detailed minute track featuring large, Arabic numerals placed at five-minute intervals. The display is completed by a set of gold Louis XV style hands. A winding aperture is positioned between the three and four o'clock markers, a functional necessity for the fusee-driven movement located behind the dial. The movement is signed by Jean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier, a master watchmaker based in Paris.

Evidence for this section
  • “D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals with half-hour divisions, outer minute divisions with large five-minute Arabic markers, winding aperture between 3 and 4 o?clock.”
  • “Gold "Louis XV" hands.”

Movement and Mechanics

The watch is powered by a 38 mm hinged, frosted gilt full-plate movement. The caliber construction employs traditional square baluster pillars to secure the plates.

The balance assembly features a brass balance, a flat balance spring, and a continental-style balance cock.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 38 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock Signed on the movement.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific engraving or signature on the movement provide a closer date of manufacture within Verdier's career?
  • Are there similar signed examples by Verdier that feature verified Mussard enamels to strengthen the attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier 'oignon' watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier“Jean-Jacques-Baptiste Verdier”
Enamel attributionJean V Mussard“enamel painting attributed to Jean V Mussard, Geneva”
Case diameter52 mm“Diam. 52 mm”
Dial detailsWhite enamel with Arabic five-minute markers“White enamel, radial Roman numerals with half-hour divisions, outer minute divisions with large five-minute Arabic markers”
Movement typeVerge escapement with fusee and chain“frosted gilt full-plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with flat balance spring”
Movement signatureSigned on the movement“Signed on the movement.”
Case constructionTwo-body“C. Two-body”
Datecirca 1740“circa 1740”

Visible details

  • Painted enamel scene on case back depicting figures of Apollo and the Sibyl
  • White enamel dial with radial Roman numerals and Arabic five-minute markers
  • Gold Louis XV style hands
  • Frosted gilt full-plate movement with square baluster pillars

Research qualifications

  • Attribution of the enamel work to Jean V Mussard is suggested rather than confirmed
  • The exact date of manufacture is an approximation provided by the auction house

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Apollo and the Sibyl (Jean-Jacques-Baptiste) Verdier a Paris, enamel painting attributed to Jean V Mussard, Geneva, circa 1740. Very fine gold and painted on enamel "oignon" type watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record cf33e925ca

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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