Early English gold watch with duplex escapement Circa 1823

Gold minute repeater
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A significant, early minute repeating pocket watch made by Rivers & Son in London, England, circa 1823. The open faced case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold, has London Hallmarks for 1823, is engine turned on the back, has a reeded band, and polished bezels, pendant and bow. The gold dial is engine turned in the center, has applied Roman hour numerals, outer minute dots, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and gold spade hands. The extremely rare, very fine and numbered movement has a duplex escapement and a diamond end stone.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 171 g
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Signed: Rivers London
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This watch is technically an absolute rarity. Very few watches from this period are equipped with a minute repeater.
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Rivers & Son
Rivers & Son took over the company of Daniel De St. Leu in London, which was in service of the royal house and world famous for its fantastic self striking mechanisms in pocket watches. The signature Rivers & Son was used from 1782 to 1815.
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Daniel De St. Leu
Daniel De St. Leu was a Genevan of origin. As a watchmaker, he worked in Geneva and London. De st. Leu was listed in London from 1753 until 1797. 

He manufactured some of the most exquisite and elaborate watches of the 18th century. Gaining royal favour, he was appointed watchmaker to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, in 1765, a title he held for the rest of his life, since all his watches after this date are either signed ‘Sevt. to her Majesty’ or ‘Watch Maker to her Majesty’.

He crafted movements of superior quality and specialized in making watches for affluent Ottoman clients, who requested their watches to be as pieces of jewellery, preferably in lavish decorated gold cases and set with precious stones. In the 18th century, the export of English watches to the Ottoman Empire was conducted on a large scale.