Louis XV, Paris ca. 1750. The dial and movement signed Simon Festeau à Paris (Simon François Festeau, maître 1750).

Wooden case, inlaid all-around with green horn. Relief-decorated, bronze dial with 25 enamel cartouches, indicating the hours in Roman numerals. Movement with verge escapement, striking the 1/2-hour on bell. Opulent, gilt bronze mounts and applications designed as blossoms, leaves and rocailles. Requires servicing.

52 × 19 × 131 cm.

S.F. Festeau had his workshop in the Rue Saint-Denis in 1750, then moved at least four times and last worked (1789) in the Rue Montorgueil. He used watch cases by J. J. Gavelle, Vandernasse, Foullet and N. J. Marchand. When he retired from professional life, he passed on the "basics" to his son, François Bonnaventure.

Literature:
- J. D. Augarde, Les ouvriers du temps, Geneva, 1996; p. 314 (biographical data).
- H. L. Tardy, Dictionnaire des horlogers français, Paris; p. 226 (biographical data).