Fine French gold, enamel, paillon decorated verge Circa 1750

Gold, enamel and paillon decorated pocket watch by Herbeau
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A fine and rare French 18 carat gold, enamel and paillon decorated open faced verge watch, circa 1750. Gilt finished full plate verge movement, chain fusée, finely pierced and engraved balance cock. White enamel dial with Roman numerals separated by paste stones and gilt Louis XV hands. Turquoise enamel bezel with applied gold floral decoration, the case back centred by a painted polychrome enamel scene depicting Venus taking her bow away from cupid, framed by translucent green enamel over gold paillons resembling engine turning, white enamel borders with applied gold floral decoration. Dial signed, movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Signed: Herbeau Paris
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A fine example of watches featuring a so-called ‘paillon’ decoration. The very thin gold paillons or flakes arranged under translucent green enamel create simulate engine turning, a very unusual ornamental style.