French 18 carat gold enamel pocket watch Circa 1790

Unusually large gold and enamel pocket watch
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An unusually large gold and enamel verge watch, made by the court clockmaker Pierre Gregson in Paris, France, circa 1790. This watch features an 18 carat gold case with an extremely unusual enamel decoration in green, white, and blue with gold paillon inlays. The white enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Arabic 15 minute – and hour numerals and fine gold hands. The numbered movement is equipped with a verge escapement.
The dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 54.5 mm
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Weight: 84 g
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Signed: Gregson à Paris
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Gregson
Pierre Gregson was of British origin and a watchmaker to the King. He must have been considered one of the best among his contemporaries, as he was appointed to the commission of the Royal Watch Manufactory in 1786. Only three other watchmakers were represented on this commission: Breguet, Berthoud and Lepaute. Today, Gregson’s outstanding enamel watches are among the most valuable collector’s items in this field. But it is not only the fantastic enamel cases that make these watches so interesting, but also Gregson’s special movements.