French gold centre seconds repeating à toc pocket watch Circa 1790

limit: € 2.000 – estimate: € 8.000
Rose gold quarter repeater à toc attributed to Jean-Antoine Lépine
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A technically very interesting French 18 carat rose gold open faced centre seconds quarter repeating à toc cylinder pocket watch, circa 1790. Early Lépine calibre with two hammers, quarter-hour repeater à toc, cylinder escapement, centre seconds. White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and rose gold hands, the glass with scratches at the rim. Plain case, maker’s mark JD. Cuvette signed Decombaz and numbered.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 120 g
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Signed: Decombaz
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Decombaz was the most important of Breguet’s movement manufacturers. This watch is so similar to those of Lépine that there is hardly any doubt that Decombaz also made movements for him. Also, the case design with integrated hinge, the dial and especially the very special hands indicate Jean-Antoine Lépine as the manufacturer of this watch.