French 18 carat gold and enamel verge repeater watch Circa 1800

Very fine verge watch set with Oriental pearls
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A very fine gold and enamel verge repeater watch set with Oriental pearls, made by Jean-François De Belle in Paris, France, circa 1800. The outstanding quality case was crafted from 18 carat gold and features engine turned decoration and translucent blue enamel on the back lid, exceptionally large Oriental pearls on both sides, a pendant also set with an Oriental pearl and a tiny opening button in the case band. The white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals and gold hands and the numbered movement features a verge escapement and an hours and quarter repeater.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Weight: 76 g
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Signed: De Belle, à Paris
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De Belle
Jean-François De Belle (also spelled Debelle) was a noted watch and clockmaker active in Paris around 1800.He was a prominent horologist in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries and became a master in the Parisian watchmaker’s guild on July 8, 1781. His workshop was located on the rue Saint-Honoré, a well known area for watchmakers at the time and his work included both elaborate clocks (some of which are in the Royal Palace in Madrid and the Château de Fontainebleau) and pocket watches.

He was praised in contemporary Parisian almanacs and even served on the jury concerning the new decimal time system during the Revolutionary period, indicating his high standing in the profession.