A rare early 17th-century French pre-balance spring verge watch in a gilt and silver oval case. The deep full-plate fire-gilt movement features slender square baluster pillars, a fusee and gut with gilt barrel ratchet, and an elaborate click between the plates. A small pierced and engraved cock is secured by a screw.

The plain gilt oval dial is engraved with Roman numerals and fitted with a single fine blue-steel hand shaped like a serpent. Four tabs locate the dial within the case, secured by two springs and latches at nine and three o’clock.

The drum-shaped gilt oval case has a fixed pendant and ring bow, with a turned finial at six o’clock. The sides are decorated with applied silver bands engraved with foliage and reclining figures. Plain hinged gilt covers show some wear, and the inside of the front cover bears a well-preserved engraving of the Medici family coat of arms.