ONE OF A KIND 320 Years Old Louis XIV Silver Oignon Verge Fusee Pocket Watch

A Colossal Masterpiece of the Sun King’s Court — Antique c. 1700s French “Oignon” Verge Fusee Pocket Watch by Etienne Cormasson à Paris

Presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a true museum-quality artifact of French royal history. This extraordinary and massive antique pocket watch was masterfully crafted by the renowned Parisian watchmaker Etienne Cormasson circa the early 1700s. Specially commissioned during the reign of the “Sun King,” King Louis XIV, this watch is an unparalleled example of early 18th-century luxury.

Weighing an astonishing 175 grams and measuring 57mm in diameter and 34mm thick, this is a classic French “Oignon” watch. The solid silver case features a masterfully hand-engraved portrait of King Louis XIV alongside the Bourbon Lily (Fleur-de-lis). The dial is an absolute work of art: entirely hand-hammered silver featuring cartouche champlevé enamel hour markers, heavily detailed with a mythological scene of an angel and a sea monster beneath the original high-domed crystal.

This regal timepiece comes complete with a matching silver chain fob, a locket, and its original keys. Astoundingly, after more than three centuries, the highly ornamented verge fusee movement remains in perfect working order.

Historical Significance & Context:

• The “Oignon” Watch: In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, French watchmakers developed a distinct style of pocket watch affectionately known as the “Oignon” (Onion) due to its bulbous, incredibly thick profile. This large size was necessary to house the robust, early verge fusee movements of the era. Today, authentic Oignon watches are exceedingly rare and are considered the holy grail for collectors of early European horology.

• The Court of King Louis XIV: The reign of the Sun King (1643–1715) marked the absolute zenith of French opulence, art, and culture centered around the Palace of Versailles. A watch of this monumental size, carrying the engraved portrait of the King and the royal Fleur-de-lis, would have been an incredibly expensive and prestigious commission, undoubtedly belonging to a high-ranking nobleman or a direct member of the royal court.

• Etienne Cormasson à Paris: A highly respected master watchmaker operating in Paris during this golden age of French horology, Cormasson’s work is characterized by its mechanical robustness and uncompromising artistic beauty.

• Cartouche Champlevé Dials: The dial features individual enamel cartouches for the Roman numerals, set into a deeply chased and hammered solid silver background. This labor-intensive technique was the hallmark of the finest French timepieces before plain white enamel dials became the standard decades later.

Item Specifics:

• Maker: Etienne Cormasson à Paris (Signed)

• Era/Circa: Early 18th Century (c. 1700s / Louis XIV Era)

• Style: French “Oignon” Watch

• Total Weight: 175 grams (Massive and substantial, including chain)

• Dimensions: 57mm Diameter x 34mm Thick

• Case Material: Solid Silver

• Case Engraving: Portrait of King Louis XIV and the French Bourbon Lily

• Dial: Hand-hammered silver with Cartouche Champlevé Enamel, depicting an angel and sea monster.

• Crystal: Original-style high-domed bullseye crystal.

• Movement: Hand-engraved, highly pierced, and heavily ornamented Verge Fusee movement decorated with silver accents.

Condition Report: This 300+ year-old royal artifact is in perfect working order and extraordinary antique condition.

• Movement: The massive verge fusee movement functions beautifully, ticking with the heavy, deliberate beat characteristic of early 18th-century Oignons.

• Case: The solid silver case is in excellent condition. The hand-engraved portrait of Louis XIV remains exceptionally crisp and detailed. The hinge is strong and closes securely.

• Dial: The silver and champlevé enamel dial is a stunning survivor, retaining its deep, three-dimensional texture and artistic integrity.

• Accessories: The included matching silver chain fob, locket, and original keys are in excellent, corresponding condition.

• Disclaimer: While currently running perfectly, all antique mechanical watches of this extreme age should be handled with utmost care and may require periodic professional service by a specialized historical horologist.

What’s Included:

• 1 Antique Etienne Cormasson “Oignon” Pocket Watch

• 1 Matching Solid Silver Chain Fob with Locket

• Original Winding/Setting Keys

Shipping & Handling:

• Due to the immense historical value, weight, and irreplaceable nature of this artifact, it will be dispatched via highly secure, armored courier or expedited international priority service (e.g., FedEx/DHL) with full comprehensive insurance and mandatory signature/ID verification upon delivery.

• Ships within 2 business days of cleared payment.

• International Buyers: Please note that all import duties are prepaid by me so the customer pay $0 custom tax!!!

Returns:

• 60-day returns accepted only if the item and all its accompanying historic accessories (chain, fob, keys) are returned in the exact, unaltered, and undamaged condition as photographed and described. Free return shipping.