French 18 carat gold and enamel verge watch Circa. 1770

Very fine watch with intricate pailloné enamelling
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A very fine gold and enamel verge watch with intricate pailloné enamelling, made by Charles Guenoux in Paris, France, circa 1770. The excellent quality à goutte case which was crafted from 18 carat gold features tiny, concealed opening button in the band, the band is decorated with small white enamel pearls and flower tendrils on both sides, the fantastic pailloné work with peacock’s eye effect on the back gives the case a greenish or more blue violet appearance, depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The white enamel dial has an outer five minute ring, Roman hour numerals and gold hands. The numbered movement is fitted with a verge escapement.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 37 mm
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Weight: 47 g
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Signed: Guenoux à Paris
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Guenoux
Charles Guenoux (also spelled Guesnoux) was a noted French master watchmaker active in Paris during the late 18^th century. His career spanned the final decades of the “Ancien Régime”, a period often referred to as the “golden age” of French horology. Guenoux achieved the prestigious rank of maître horloger (master watchmaker) in Paris on September 14, 1764. This title was granted by the Parisian Clockmakers’ Guild (Corporation des Horlogers) and was essential for operating an independent workshop. His most prolific years (1764-1789) coincided with the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI. He is recorded as working in Paris until at least 1789, the start of the French Revolution.
During his peak years (c. 1772–1789), his workshop was located at the Quai de l’Horloge (specifically “Quai des Orfèvres” or nearby), the historic epicenter of Parisian watchmaking where other legendary figures like Abraham-Louis Breguet also practised.