FRENCH GOLD QUARTER REPEATING LEVER – Circa 1820

This exquisite timepiece is an early 19th Century French quarter repeating lever watch. It features a stunning gold engine turned open face case with a keywind gilt bar movement. The movement boasts a suspended going barrel with a plain cock and a garnet endstone in a polished steel setting. A polished steel regulator and a plain three arm gold balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring add to the precision and elegance of this watch. This watch also has a rare ratchet tooth escapement with a right angle lever, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the time. The quarter repeating function is activated by a push pendant, which chimes on two square section polished steel gongs. The white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and blue steel Breguet hands adds a touch of refinement to the overall design. The slim and stylish engine turned 18 carat gold case completes the look of this exceptional timepiece, which can be wound and set through the signed gilt metal cuvette. This French watch is in excellent condition, especially considering its age, as most watches from this period typically feature a cylinder escapement rather than a lever escapement.

Signed Baily - Rue de Richelieu a Paris
Circa 1820
Diameter 50 mm