Extraordinary English watch for the Chinese market Circa 1788

Gold, enamel, half pearl, ruby set watch with center seconds by Francis Perigal
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An English 18 carat gold, enamel, half pearl and ruby set pair cased pocket watch  with center seconds made for the Chinese market, circa 1788. Bell, highly complicated cylinder movement with center seconds, repeater and self striking mechanism, muting device and seconds stop lever. White enamel dial with Roman hours and Arabic minutes, original gold hands. Enamelled outer case set with rubies and half pearls to both sides, translucent blue enamel engine turned case back, radially engraved background, in the foreground a bird with spread wings sitting on a vase, sound openings, massive five part hinge, inner case florally engraved and pierced. Movement and cuvette signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Weight: 164 g
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Signed: Fras Perigal London
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Francis Perigal worked from about 1770 until his death in 1794. In 1781 he was released honorary as a member of the watchmaker guild. He produced extremely fine and highly interesting timepieces and became ‘Watchmaker to the King’ in 1784. The almost similar sister watch No. 19390 is identical except for the enamel scene to the back was sold for circa 30.000 Swiss Francs.