English French 18K gold and enamel verge watch Circa 1790

Pocket watch Souvenir L’Amitié
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An important, large, gold and enamel verge watch Souvenir L’Amitié by made by Jean-Pierre Gregson in London, England, circa 1790. The case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold and features half Oriental pearls on both sides, a fine enamel painting, representing a couple at the altar of love and a white cloth decorated with gold and green paillonné inlays and diamond-set inscription lamitie (the friendship). The pendant is also decorated with fine paillonné inlays and has an opening button. The white enamel dial features an outer minute track with 15 minute numerals, Arabic hour numerals and gold hands. The extremely rare and thin Gregson movement is fitted with a verge escapement.
The dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Weight: 75 g
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Signed: Gregson, à Paris
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Gregson

Jean-Pierre Gregson was of British origin and watchmaker to the King in Paris between 1667 and 1790. He must have been considered one of the best among his contemporaries, as he was appointed to the commission of the Royal Watch Manufactory in 1786. Only three other watchmakers were represented on this commission: Breguet, Berthoud and Lepaute.

Gregson fled the revolutionary unrest in 1790 to return to his native London and occasionally still signed his watches  “Gregson à Paris”, moving towards “Gregson London” eventually.

In 1800 he started a partnership with Jefferson that lasted until 1815 and during this time the watches made were signed “Gregson & Jefferson”.
Jean-Pierre Gregson’s business effectively ceased to exist as a primary entity after 1815, as there are no further historical records of his professional activity or new watch production after this date.

Today, Gregson’s outstanding enamel watches are among the most valuable collector’s items in this field. But it is not only the fantastic enamel cases but also Gregson’s special movements that make these watches so interesting.