Danish 18 carat gold duplex repeater watch Circa 1811

A highly interesting early duplex watch
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A highly interesting early duplex repeater watch, made by Fredrik Jürgensen in Copenhagen, Denmark, circa 1811. This watch features a case crafted from 18 carat gold with an engine turned back lid. The enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Arabic hour numerals, an early large subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and steel hands. The very fine quality movement is equipped with a duplex escapement, temperature compensation and a quarter repeater.
The dial, cuvette and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Weight: 155 g
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Signed: Fredrik Jürgensen
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Jürgensen
The watch presented here is probably the earliest surviving pocket watch by Fredrik Jürgensen. Fredrik Jürgensen was born on August 19, 1787, the second youngest son of Jürgen Jürgensen. In 1801, Fredrik became an apprentice in his father’s workshop under the direction of his older brother Urban. In April 1809, Fredrik traveled to Geneva. After the death of his father, Fredrik was called back to Copenhagen, where he took over the management of the family business. Fredrik was appointed court watchmaker by royal decree on May 15, 1811, succeeding his father. Fredrik initially continued to sign the watches as Larpent & Jürgensen, before the company was renamed Fredrik Jürgensen in 1811.