Fine Swiss 18 carat gold complicated lever watch Circa 1900

Rose gold repeating triple calendar chronograph
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A fine and very large Swiss 18 carat rose gold half hunting cased quarter repeating keyless pocket watch with triple calendar, chronograph and moon phases made by Les Fils de R. Picard in La Chaux-de-Fonds, circa 1900. The frosted gilt movement with 23 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring and an index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a push button on the band. White enamel dial with Roman hours, an outer minute track with fifth of a second divisions and Arabic five minute numerals, auxiliary seconds at 6 o’clock combined with the phases of the moon, a subsidiary dial for the date at 3, for the days of the week at 9, an aperture for the months at 12 and original blued spade hands. The engine turned case with a polished band and rims, the front cover with a glazed aperture and radial black champlevé Roman hours, an inner minute track, the back with an applied central initial M beneath a Bourbon crown on a polished reserve and an olive shaped button at 12 o’clock for the chronograph. A hinged gold cuvette engraved with prize medals and technical details. Case numbered, cuvette signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 61 mm
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Signed: Les Fils de R. Picard Chaux-de-Fonds Swiss
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In 1837, Raphaël Picard (1810-1884) founded the company R. Picard in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Around 1890, the company was renamed Les Fils de R. Picard by successors Armand Picard (1856-1926) and Gabriel Picard (1865-1935).