Swiss 18 carat gold lorgnette with concealed watch Circa 1850

Gold and enamel lorgnette with cylinder watch by Bichler & Hartmann
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A fine Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel folding lorgnette with concealed watch, circa 1850. Rectangular movement, gilt brass bar calibre, 8 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain gilt brass three armed balance, blued steel flat balance spring. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, set in a gold plate with winding, setting and regulating apertures, gold spade hands. Entirely engraved case with foliage against an engine turned ground, the spring loaded front cover decorated with white and translucent imperial blue enamel, engraved monogram. Signed on the dial plate.
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Dimensions: 80 x 21 mm
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Signed: Bichler & Hartmann à Genève
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Bichler & Hartmann. Towards the middle of the 19th century, they made form watches, lorgnettes and spyglasses with watches, using movements with bridge calibre and cylinder escapements. They are recorded at Place des Bergues 3, Geneva in 1857.