Swiss 18K gold quarter repeating musical watch Circa 1820

Gold repeating musical watch attributed to Piguet et Meylan
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A fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold open faced quarter repeating musical cylinder pocket watch, circa 1820. Cylinder movement, the music playing on the hour or at will. White enamel dial with Arabic hours, an outer minute track and Fleur-de-Lys hands. Plain case. Case and movement numbered.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Signed: No name
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Piguet & Meylan were both originally from the village of Le Chenit in the Vallée de Joux, Isaac Daniel Piguet (1775-1841) and Philippe Samuel Meylan (1772- 1845) came to Geneva as young men and formed a partnership that lasted from 1811 to 1828. The company specialized in elaborate and beautifully decorated musical watches, including skeleton and automaton watches and mechanical animals. They employed some of the best enamel painters to decorate their watches. The company further are particularly known for their watches made for the Chinese Market. Examples of their work are in many of the world’s foremost collections including the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Musée d’Horlogerie in Le Locle. The firm was established at 45, Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau in Geneva. After their association came to an end both Piguet and Meylan continued for some time to work with their sons.