French 18 carat gold and enamel repeater watch Circa 1785

Verge pocket watch with chatelaine
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A museum gold and enamel verge watch with repeater and chatelaine, made by the watchmaker to the queen, Pierre-Philippe Grignon in Paris, France, circa 1785. The exceptional quality case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold an features case, polychrome enamelling, original diamond setting on both sides, a bow also set with diamonds (some missing), a pendant pusher set with a large diamond, blue engine turned enamel on the back of the case which is framed by fine white and turquoise enamel beads, a hidden miniature button in the case rim to open the case and French gold punches. The original Louis XV white enamel dial features an outer minute track with Arabic 5 minute numerals, Arabic hour numerals and gold hands. The numbered movement is fitted with a verge escapement and an hours and quarters repeater à toc.
The dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 37 mm
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Weight: 46 g
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Signed: Grignon, h^ger de la Reine
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Gold and enamelled verge watches with matching chatelaines are generally rare collector’s items, particularly when they feature a striking mechanism. Crafted only for very distinguished clients, such as royalty or members of the Tsar’s court, these exceptional pieces were set with genuine diamonds rather than the more commonly used imitations.

This particular version presented here is considered a museum rarity. Comparable examples are preserved in major institutions such as the Louvre and the Hermitage, where similar masterpieces are displayed in the celebrated Gold Room.

The accompanying gold chatelaine is of equally outstanding quality. Its centerpiece and pendant are decorated with white enamel pearls in the same manner as the watch case. The ensemble also includes a highly rare gold and enamel watch key, as well as an equally uncommon pendant fitted with a fold out hook – known as a “bed hook.” Together, these elements form an extraordinarily rare and cohesive set of remarkable craftsmanship and historical significance.