French rose gold Montre de Souscription watch Circa 1817

Large gold Montre de Souscription by Breguet
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A very fine, rare and large French 18 carat rose gold Montre de Souscription pocket watch, circa 1817. Sold to Monsieur Demidof, on June 8, 1817, for 790 Francs. Gilt brass movement, souscription caliber with central barrel wound from the front or back, overhanging ruby cylinder escapement, three armed gilt balance with amplitude limiting pin on the upper rim, parachute on the top pivot, flat balance spring, bimetallic temperature compensation curb on the index regulator. White enamel dial by Lucard with Breguet numerals, outer divisions for five minutes, quarter and half hours, secret signature below 12 and original blued steel souscription hand. Plain case by Joly (master mark), the back cover with an applied gold foliate monogram beneath a ducal coronet, loose ring pendant. Dial and movement signed, case with Joly punch mark. Accompanied by a Breguet certificate and fitted red morocco box.
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Diameter: 62 mm
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Signed: Breguet et Fils
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Count Nicholas Demidoff (1724-1786), a member of an influential Russian family, he was a diplomat and admirer of Napoleon I. He lived for a time in Paris, but the growing tensions between France and Russia led to his return to Moscow in 1812. Count Demidoff was a well-known art collector, pieces from his collections can be found today in the Wallace Collection in London and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.