Janvier

Gold verge watch signed "J. JANVIER à Paris N° 2783" circa 1

Gold verge watch signed "J. JANVIER à Paris N° 2783" circa 1780 (Indicative weight: 41.39 g) White enamel dial (later, cracks), Breguet-type Arabic numerals, openwork brass hands; movement with gilded brass plates, silver regulator disk, openwork and engraved bridge, verge escapement, cylindrical pillars; gold case stamped 'IPIG', guilloché background around a dove perched on a basket in front of an altar, bezel adorned with spikes. D. 35mm This watch was attached to the watch chain referenced under number 53 in this vacation, with its monogrammed "S C" key. Bearing a name renowned in the annals of watchmaking, it is nevertheless difficult to establish with certainty the authorship of this watch: A first hypothesis is to consider it as the work of Joseph Janvier, Antide's younger brother. He was born in Lavans les Saint Claude in 1754, where he died on September 20, 1820; but after his brother moved to Paris in 1784, Joseph joined him and worked with him, before returning to his native town around 1790. It is conceivable that he practiced for himself during this short period, although as he was not a master in Paris, he was not allowed to sell pieces under his own name. What's more, the few clocks attributed to him with certainty are signed 'Janvier cadet'. Thus, it is more likely that this clock, like the other two known to be signed 'Janvier à Paris' (see Hayard 2011, 412-13), is the work of Jérémie Janvier, who was received as a master in Paris on August 2, 1770 and referenced as working at least until 1790. Bibliography Michel Hayard, Antide Janvier, sa vie à travers son œuvre, 2nd edition 2011. Provenance: Carnot family, by descent Expert: Anthony TURNER