French 18K gold quarter repeating lever watch Circa 1830

Gold gentlemen’s pocket watch by Henri Robert
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A fine French 18 carat gold open faced quarter repeating pocket watch, circa 1830. The gilded brass movement with a lateral lever escapement. White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track and original blued moon hands. The case with an engine tuned back, and polished bezels, pendant and bow. Dial signed, case numbered.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Signed: Henri Robert à Paris
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Henri Robert (also Henry Robert) was born in 1795 in Mâcon, France. He was an important watchmaker and author of several works on watchmaking. He was probably trained by Louis Frédéric Perrelet, worked for the famous watchmaker Breguet and in 1831, for Henri Laresche, of whom he took over his business at 164 Rue de Valois in Palais-Royal, Paris.

Robert improved the alarm clock device patented by Henri Laresche and became purveyor to the Queen. In 1834 and 1839, he won a silver medal at the Paris Exhibition, and in 1844 and 1849, a gold one. In 1847, Henri was appointed Horloger de la Marine. Antoine Redier worked for him from 1835 to 1838.

Henri Robert died in 1874. His son Henri Robert Jr took over his father’s business.