German very fine enamel painted virgule watch Circa 1800

Gold, enamel and pearl set pocket watch by Roman Melly & Roux 
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A very fine, thin German 18 carat gold, enamel and pearl set pocket watch with rare virgule escapement, circa 1800. Very rare calibre with virgule escapement. White enamel dial with Roman hours and Arabic quarters, rose gold hands. Comes with corresponding figurative gold key with dog head, key shaft slightly worn. Case pearl set to both sides, to the back Venus with Adonis and a small putto on a meadow in front of a cobalt blue translucent enamelled engine turned back ground, in the upper part an oval cartouche with a lady’s portrait, crowned by a baldachin. Case and movement with matching numbers, movement signed.
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Diameter: 46 mm
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Weight: 50 g
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Signed: Roman Melly & Roux à Constance
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The watch is a rarity combining an outstanding gold and enamel case with the rare thin movement with virgule escapement. Roman Melly & Roux was a German watch manufacturer of Swiss origin in Geneva. The company was active in Constance from 1778. Ami Melly was the director of the company from 1778 to 1785, followed by François Roman. Managing Director was Amed Roux.