Gold, enamel, split pearl set watch with chatelaine Circa 1790

Gold, enamel and split pearl decorated verge with chatelaine by Matthey & Compe
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A French 18 carat gold, enamel and split pearl set pocket watch with chatelaine, circa 1790. Full plate verge movement, keywind, chain/fusee, three armed brass balance and very finely engraved balance bridge, large silver regulator. White enamel dial with Roman hours and Arabic minutes  and gold pierced filigree Louis XVI hands. Case enamelled to the back and decorated with split pearls. 18 Carat gold, enamelled chatelaine seal and two keys. This watch combines stylistic elements of the playful Rococo as well as the straightforward, antiquarian classicism. The geometrically decorated bezel consists of very fine, opals and translucent blue enamel panels. The back is decorated with an oval enamel medallion with time typical, hair-fine painting, framed by split pearls. Shown are a young lady, a dog and a pair of doves. The medallion is framed by a gold frame with wheat, flower tendrils and vases inlaid with white enamel.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 69 g. (incl. chatelaine 103 gr.)
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Length: 36 cm
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Signed: Matthey & Compe
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There are many watchmakers registered named Matthey (or Mathey). They were mostly based in Switzerland, but also in Paris. Due to the stylistic features of this watch one tend to locate the clock to France, especially since ‘Compe’ is the English word for Cie (compagnie) in French. The watch belongs to France, but was probably produced for the English market.
Literature: G.H. Baillie, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the world, Kathleen H. Pritchard, Swiss Timepiece Makers II and Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français.