French 18 carat gold and enamel ‘Louis XV’ verge watch Circa 1875

Exquisite ‘Louis XV’ watch with pearl setting
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An exquisite ‘Louis XV’ gold and enamel verge watch with pearl setting of fantastic quality, made by the Royal watchmaker Le Roy et Fils in Paris, France, circa 1875. The numbered open faced ‘Louis XV’ case of this watch, which was crafted from 18 carat gold and enamel, has a prominent lateral hinge, both sides set with miniature Oriental pearls of which four pearls missing, a back lid with very beautiful perfectly preserved enamel painting and a spring that lid opens by a pusher in the pendant. The white enamel screwed ‘Louis XV’ dial has an outer ring with Arabic five minute numerals, Roman hour numerals and filigree blued steel hands. The fine bar movement has a cylinder escapement and key winding.
The cuvette is signed.
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Diameter: 35 mm
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Weight: 39 g
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Signed: Leroy, Horloger du Roi, Paris
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Le Roy

Charles-Louis Le Roy worked for his father’s company, Le Roy et Fils, which was a prominent clockmaking firm in Paris. Initially, the business was established by his father, Basile-Charles Le Roy, in 1785. Charles-Louis joined as a partner in 1828. The company was known for its high quality clocks and was appointed as clockmaker to several prominent figures, including Emperor Napoleon and members of the Bonaparte family. The firm also had a location in London and held a British Royal Warrant during Queen Victoria’s reign. After the death of Charles-Louis Le Roy, his company, Le Roy et Fils, continued under the direction of his son, Louis Leroy. The company was later renamed L. Leroy & Cie after Louis became a partner in 1889.