Pocket watch · Oval alarm watch

Pierre Combret oval alarm watch

Partially verified

This is a single-hand oval alarm watch with a concealed dial, attributed to the maker Pierre Combret of Lyon, circa 1620. The watch is constructed from silver and gilt metal. The case is a two-body, 'fermée' type with a silver hinged cover, featuring a chased and 'taille douce' engraving depicting Hercules at the crossroads. The back of the case is decorated with a silver engraving of King David on the throne. The gilt brass band is pierced and engraved with flower and leaf decoration. The dial is an oval silver plate featuring applied gilt metal Roman numerals and an inner revolving alarm disc with Arabic numerals. The internal gilt brass full plate movement measures 34 x 42 mm and features a verge escapement, fusee with gut line, a two-arm brass circular foliot, and is signed on the back plate. It includes an alarm mechanism striking on an oval bell.

Five views of the Pierre Combret watch showing the engraved covers, the open dial, the side band detail, and the movement. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Pocket watch · Oval alarm watch
Maker / attribution: Pierre Combret
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 235
Source-reported date: circa 1620
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 Dial Construction

The watch is housed in a two-body, 'fermée' type case made of silver and gilt metal. The exterior front cover is decorated with a chased and 'taille douce' engraving of Hercules at the crossroads, a design after an engraving by Etienne Delaune.

The gilt brass band of the case is pierced and engraved with flower and leaf motifs and features small finials and a chiselled pendant with a loose ring. The dial consists of an oval silver plate, which displays applied gilt metal radial Roman numerals. An inner revolving alarm disc is marked with Arabic numerals, and a small square opening at 12 o'clock indicates the hour.

Evidence for this section

“C. Two-body, 'fermée' type, silver hinged, oval, the front cover with a magnificent chased and 'taille douce' engraving of Hercules at the crossroads”
“the silver back with King David on the throne and Nathan before him”
“D. Oval plate, silver with applied gilt metal radial Roman chapters chapter rin, inner revolving alarm disc with Arabic numerals”

Movement and Alarm Mechanism

The internal mechanism is an oval, gilt brass full plate movement measuring 34 x 42 mm. It is equipped with vase pillars, a fusee with a gut line, and a short four-wheel train. Timekeeping is regulated by a verge escapement and a two-arm brass circular foliot. The balance cock is elongated and small, featuring piercing and engraving of flowers.

The watch includes an alarm function, which strikes on an oval bell. The alarm system operates via a fixed engraved barrel with a two-wheel train and a large brass pinion on the second wheel. The watch is set using a blued-steel 'poker' hand. The movement is signed on the back plate. The silver back of the watch is engraved with a scene of King David on the throne and Nathan before him.

Evidence for this section

“M. 34 x 42 mm, oval, gilt brass full plate, vase pillars, fusee and gut line”
“verge escapement, two-arm brass circular foliot, elongated small pinned cock pierced and engraved withflowers”
“alarm from a fixed engraved barrel with two-wheel train with large brass pinion on the second wheel, striking on an oval bell”

Provenance and Literature

The watch is attributed to Pierre Combret II (1581-1622) of Lyon. Pierre Combret II was the son of Pierre and was known for producing various shapes of watches, including oval, octagonal, and cruciform examples, as well as pendant watches in the shapes of shellfish or tulips.

This specific timepiece is documented as having been published in the Sandberg book, where it appears on pages 44 and 45. The auction description reports that it is considered rare to find a watch from the early seventeenth century in its present state of preservation.

Evidence for this section

“Pierre Combret II à Lyon (1581-1622)”
“Published in the Sandberg book, pages 44-45”
“It is rare to find a watch from the beginning of the seventeenth century in such excellent condition.”

Open research questions

What is the current location or status of the 'Sandberg book' referenced as the primary provenance source?
Are there other extant examples of Pierre Combret's work that share the same 'fermée' case construction technique?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pierre Combret oval alarm watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Pierre Combret	“Pierre Combret à Lyon”
Date	circa 1620	“circa 1620”
Case Dimensions	76 x 46 mm	“Dim. 76 x 46 mm”
Movement Dimensions	34 x 42 mm	“34 x 42 mm”
Escapement	Verge	“verge escapement”
Material	Silver and gilt metal	“silver and gilt metal”
Engraving inspiration	Etienne Delaune	“after an engraving by Etienne Delaune (1518-1595)”

Visible details

Engraved front cover depicting Hercules between Virtue and Vice
Gilt brass band with pierced flower and leaf patterns
Oval plate dial with central alarm setting disc
Full plate movement with verge escapement

Research qualifications

Attribution to Pierre Combret is based on historical documentation provided by the source
Exact manufacturing date is stated as circa 1620

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

Consulted source

Hercules between Virtue and VicePierre Combret à Lyon, circa 1620.Exceptional and very rare, silver and gilt metal, single-hand oval alarm watch with a concealed dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bcca228330

Terms in this record

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