English gold repoussé quarter repeating pocket watch Circa 1750

Gold pair cased key wound pocket watch
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An English gold key wound pocket watch with a double repoussé gold case and quarter repeater, made by Menuisier in London in the second half of the 18th century. This watch features a gilt brass movement with a pierced and engraved cock, a three arm balance, baluster shaped quadrangular pillars, a fusee with chain, and a verge escapement. It includes a two hammer bell repeater mechanism that strikes on demand. Beneath the bell, the initials ICB are topped by a crown. The movement plate bears the signature Menuisier, London. The white enamel dial offers dual indications: Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minutes, an arcaded minute ring, and Louis XV style hands.
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It features a double repoussé gold case. The outer is decorated with engraved and pierced interlacing foliage, centred by a finely repoussé medallion showing a mythological scene. The inner is engraved with interlaced branches and flowers, pierced to the band. The number 364 is engraved on the bezel and beneath it. A silver dust cover, signed London, is included. A small gold chain is attached to a rectangular brass key with cut corners, featuring Bonaparte’s profile.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Weight: 90.5 g
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Signed: Menuisier, London
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History: Family tradition claims that this watch, believed to have belonged to Bonaparte, rang during the Battle of Rivoli. Frédéric Masson and Octave Aubry mention that on January 1, 1819, the Emperor gave Grand Marshal Bertrand one of his gold watches (exchanging it for one of Bertrand’s), saying, Here, Bertrand, it was striking two o’clock at night in Rivoli, when I ordered Joubert to attack.