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Description |
"L. ROUVANT -- Practical Watchmaker, formerly of Geneva, Switzerland; Dealer in Fine Watches, Jewelry, Diamonds, Clocks, Spectacles, Etc.; Chronometers, Repeaters, Chronographs and English Watches Repaired; No. 7 Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas, and Laredo, Texas. Little is known of the early manufacture of that, among the most useful of modern inventions -- the watch; although it would seem this must date after the introduction of the spiral spring in the sixteenth century ; and, yet, there is authority for the opinion that they were made of some form at Nuremberg as early as the year 1477. Beckmann speaks of a watch, in Sir Ashton Lever's museum, bearing the date of 1541; and it is known that Henry VIII, who died in 1547, and his contemporary, Charles V, also possessed watches. In Shakespeare's time they were used by private individuals. Malrolio, in 'Twelfth Night,' says: 'I frown the while, and, perchance wind up my watch, or play with some rich jewel.' They must have been common in France before 1544, for they were named with clocks in a statute enacted that year in Paris. A description and engraving of one bequeathed by Queen Mary to Mary Seton, which is in possession of Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, Bart., may be found in Smith's 'Historical and Literary Curiosities,' (London, 1845; 4to., plate 96). Some of these early watches, it is stated, were as small as those of the present day and were often of an oval form; others were as large as dessert plates. All of them, however, were extremely rude measures of time. The watchmakers of Geneva have established the reputation of being the most expert watchmakers in the world, and their reputation has been permanent to this day. Among the most prominent houses in the city engaged in the jewelry business, the establishment of Mr. L. Rouvant is entitled to special mention, not only on account of its elegant appointment, but the admirable taste displayed in the selection of a very comprehensive stock of high class goods and rare articles, pertaining to the trade. He carries the choicest line of diamonds and fine watches, which he makes a specialty ; and genuine French marinor and bronze clocks, also a complete assortment of American clocks, table ware, sets, fruit stands, cake baskets, urns, entree dishes, besides jewelry cases, candle-sticks, candelabras, goods suitable for bridal and other presents and French bronzes. The premises are admirably located, at No. 7 Commerce street, and are 30 by 75 feet in dimensions. Mr. Rouvant is a native of Geneva, Switzerland, where he learned his business ; he commenced business in this city in 1878, and since that time, by energy, enterprise and fair dealing, has built up a flourishing and fast increasing trade, possessing the most complete establishment in Texas; it is, in fact, the Tiffany of Texas. Having been raised in the business, he thoroughly understands it, and his practical knowledge of his profession is giving him a wide reputation. His standing and relation with the trade are such as to enable him to offer special advantages to buyers, particularly in the manufacture of watches and the setting of diamonds. With his already widely extended business, Mr. Rouvant has reason to count upon fully as gratifying a future. He is a public spirited citizen, and an energetic and thoroughly reliable business man, possessing the entire confidence and respect of the community in which he resides. The various departments of his establishment are well supplied with the most desirable articles required by the trade and public, and it has ever been his aim to treat his customers in such a manner as to retain their confidence and respect." |
