Geneva and Turkey, ca. 1700
Jean-Pierre Huaud (1655–1723) “Huaud le puisné fecit” (case) Movement with verge escapement, gut on fusee winding mechanism, gilded plates; hour hand
Inv. 1982.1023.
As evidence of the close relations that existed between Geneva and Turkey around 1700, this watch is a truly remarkable timepiece. The case made of Genevan enamelled gold is decorated on the back with a miniature after Simon Vouet’s painting “Caritas Romana” – a popular motif for watches ena- melled by the Huauds. The inside of the case features a landscape with lone wanderer, while the sides are decorated with landscape medallions after Gabriel Perelle (1604–1677). The gold dial is calibrated with Old Turkish numerals. The bottom plate of the movement is decorated with three, finely engraved vine ornaments and bears the Turkish signature “Waslak”. Both bottom plate and balance cock are shaped like a Hand of Fatima, an amulet to ward off the Evil Eye that is popular in the Middle East.
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