Italian rose gold quarter repeating pocket watch Circa 1815

Gold open faced cylinder watch 
–
A very fine Italian 18 carat rose gold quarter repeating pocket watch with ruby cylinder escapement, circa 1815. An Empire, engine turned case, master mark ”L.G” L. Guilhon in Lyon. Hinged gold cuvette signed Louis Lacroix, a Turin. Silver, engine turned dial, radial Roman numerals on a brushed reserve, outer minute divisions and blue steel Breguet hands. Frosted gilt movement, English type ruby cylinder escapement with steel escape wheel, plain three arm balance with parechute on the upper pivot, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator with bimetallic temperature compensation curb, repeating on gongs activated by a pull-and-twist button in the pendant. Cuvette signed, reverse of the dial signed A Villeneuve & fils.
–
Diameter: 57 mm
–
Signed: Louis Lacroix  Turin
–
Property of the original family, Agostino Ferrari of Millelire, who resided in Montreux, was the direct descendant of Millelire, who ruled over the island of Maddalena, located between Corsica and Sardinia. The island was attacked by the French in 1799, and Millelire fought back and defeated Bonaparte, who was in charge of the French artillery. In 1840, the king of Sardinia and Piemont took possession of the island, and to thank Millelire gifted with the present watch. The Millelire family no longer has an island but still possesses the watch.