Swiss 18K gold, enamel and jewel-set verge watch Circa 1760

Gold, jewel-set verge with enamel painting by Virginio, Girad & De Montanrouge
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An attractive Swiss 18K gold, enamel and jewel-set open faced verge pocket watch, circa 1760. This watch features a verge movement and a white enamel dial displaying Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals at intervals of five minutes. The original silver hands are adorned with jewels, although some are missing. The dial has minor chips near the winding hole. The case boasts original jewel settings on both sides, and enamel painting decorates the back. The dial and movement are both signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 38 mm
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Weight: 40 g
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Signed: Hger du Roy à Carouge – Virginio Girard & De Montanrouge
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The company Virginio, Girard & De Montanrouge was situated in Carouge, near Geneva. Joseph Antoine de Montanrouge, one of the company’s members, was also the father of François Sébastien de Montanrouge. The Fabrique Royale d’Horlogerie was located at rue Vautier 20. The company had the right to use the title ‘Horloger du Roy’ because Carouge was politically a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Understanding the town’s history explains why the company could use this title.