Austrian 18 carat gold and enamel verge watch Circa 1780

Large museum quality important verge watch
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A large, museum quality gold and enamel verge watch with hours and quarter repeater, made by Roman, Melly & Roux in Constance, Austria, circa 1780. The splendid and exceptionally rare case of this watch was crafted from gold, has a bell and is richly decorated with enamel painting, which is surrounded by paillonné enamel. The case band features fine sound openings and is adorned with double rows of rubies and half pearls. The white enamel dial features an outer minute track with Arabic 15 minute numerals, Roman hour numerals and beautiful gold hands. The numbered movement is fitted with a verge escapement and an hours and quarters repeater.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 49,5 mm
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Weight: 87 g
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Signed: Roman, Melly & Roux
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The enamel on the piece shown here is unrestored; it still features its complete original stone setting and was probably made for the Chinese market. It is probably the earliest known pocket watch by this famous maker. Gold and enamel verge watches set with stones and pearls, which also have a repeater on a bell, are highly sought after and extremely valuable collector’s items. Comparable pieces can be found in the Hermitage Collection and the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
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Roman, Melly & Roux
The watchmaking company Roman, Melly & Roux was founded by Swiss artisans from Geneva and operated in Constance (Konstanz) starting in 1778, when the city was part of Austria. The firm is known for producing high quality, intricate and artistically decorated pocket watches.
The firm effectively ceased its primary operations as a high volume manufacturer in the late 18^th century, with some historical records noting that the French Revolution led to its closure in 1795.