French 18 carat gold and enamel verge pocket watch Circa 1775

Important pocket watch with pearls on both sides
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An important big gold and enamel pocket watch with pearls on both sides, made by Pierre Gregson in Paris, France, circa 1775. The open faced case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold and features orient pearls on both sides, a fine quality but unfortunately damaged enamel painting on the back lid and a pendant with the opening button. The white enamel dial has Arabic 15 minute- and hour numerals and original gold hands. The movement has a verge escapement.
The dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 81 g
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Signed: Gregson, à Paris
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Gregson
Jean-Pierre Gregson was a French court watchmaker of English descent. Enamel watches with his signature are among the most wanted collectors’ objects and reach high collector’s prices in international art auctions. Gregson was obviously a very capable master and one of the first watchmakers to use Lépine’s bridge caliber. In 1776 he became a court watchmaker, which soon became visible in the designation of his watches. At first they were signed with ‘Gregson à Paris’, later with the addition ‘H’ger du Roy’. His significant position is also evident in the fact that he was appointed in 1786 as a member of a commission establishing a royal manufactory. The other members were the most famous watchmakers in France: Breguet, Berthoud and Lepaute.