18ct gold openface verge watch signed Baillon, late 18th century, the case back beautifully decorated in tri-tone gold, blue enamel and clearstone chips, in the form of a central roundel of vase and flowers within a laurel wreath, with dual gem set thumb pieces to side, the white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers, key hole wind to the 2 o-clock position, within a hinged open glass case with clear stone bezel surround, the case movement signed 'Baillon Paris' and work number '1329', also engraved to crown with matching number, total weight 40.82gm, case diameter 40 mm, a/f (losses to blue enamel, movement untested)
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- Bezel - On a clock or watch, the bezel is the metal frame into which the watch or clock glass is fitted. In clocks, the bezel may include a hinge and a flange, in effect a door to the face of the clock. In jewellery the bezel is a band of metal with a projecting lip that holds the gemstone in its setting.
- Roundel - A roundel is a circular disk, medallion or border on a plate or dish, on an object of furniture. A plate or dish will often have a central circular bordered decoration, termed a roundel. In furniture the word is often used instead of the word 'patera' to describe a turned circular decoration. In recent times use of the word has expanded to encompass any circular area on an object.
- A/f, as Inspected - The letters "A/F" or "as inspected" as part of a description is the cataloguer's shorthand for "all faults" or "as found", meaning the item has some type of damage or deficiency, it is of uncertain date or provenance, and/or that the seller takes no responsibility for the completeness of the item or the accuracy of the description.
- Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.
- Laurel Leaf - The use of the laurel leaf as a decorative element can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was closely associated with victory and honour. In these cultures, the laurel was a sacred tree that was dedicated to the god Apollo and was believed to have protective and healing properties.
In ancient Greece, the laurel wreath was awarded to victors in athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games, as a symbol of their achievement. The wreath was also associated with academic achievement, and was often worn by scholars and poets. The Greeks also used the laurel leaf as a symbol of victory in war, and it was often depicted in artwork alongside images of triumphant warriors and heroes.
The Romans continued this tradition, and the laurel wreath became a symbol of the highest military honor, the triumph, awarded to victorious generals. The wreath was also used to crown emperors and other important officials, and was often depicted in Roman art and architecture as a symbol of power and authority.
The laurel leaf is still used as a symbol of achievement, success, and excellence, and is frequently used in logos, emblems, and other branding materials. Its association with victory and honour has made it a popular choice for awards, medals, and other forms of recognition.
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