French gold, enamel and pearl set verge watch Circa 1786

Gold open faced verge pocket watch by Le Paute
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A very fine French 18 carat gold, enamel and pearl set open faced verge pocket watch, circa 1786. Frosted gilt full plate movement, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three armed brass balance, flat balance spring, pierced and chased continental balance cock, silver regulation dial. White enamel dial with Arabic numerals, outer dot minute divisions and fifteen minute numerals and original gold beetle and poker hands. Case by Amy Gros, mastermark AG, pearl set bezel and border, the back overlaid with translucent red guilloché enamel over sunray engine turning, central large gold monogram. Movement signed, case with poincon for 1786.
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Diameter: 42 mm
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Signed: Le Paute à Paris
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The case maker of this watch, Amy Gros, was one of the case makers that Breguet most frequently used.
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Pierre-Basile Lepaute (1750-1843), called Sully-Lepaute, along with his son Pierre-Michel (1785-1849) he continued to run the famous company established in the 1740’s. He was Horloger de l’Empereur during the Empire and Horloger du Roi during the Restoration and the July Monarchy. Under the Empire he supplied clocks to the Garde-Meuble. In 1819 and 1823 he exhibited at the Exhibitions of the Products of the Industry. The Lepautes were among the most prominent French watchmakers. Their clients included Louis XV, Louis XVI, Madame du Barry, Duc de Bourbon, the Princesse de Monaco, King Ferdinand VI, King Charles III and Charles IV of Spain.