Fine Swiss 18K gold and enamel miniature watch Circa 1850

Gold and enamel ladies’ pocket watch
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A fine and very rare Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel open faced miniature pendant watch, circa 1850. Frosted gilt movement, bar calibre, eight jewels, a cylinder escapement, three-arm frosted gilt balance with flat blued steel balance spring and index regulator. Hinged gold cuvette. Matte silver dial with Roman hours, outer minute divisions, central engraved flowers and gold Breguet hands. The case back with translucent royal blue guilloché enamel over a guilloché ground, gold paillon flower decoration in the centre, an engraved scroll border, a chased flower and scroll bezel, pendant and bow, coin-edge band. Case numbered.
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Diameter: 18 mm
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Signed: No name
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The making of miniature watches has always been a challenge for watchmakers. Many have vied with each other to produce ever smaller mechanisms enabling them to boast of making ‘the World’s Smallest Watch’. With a diameter of 18 mm, this watch can truly be described as a miniature.