French 18 carat gold and enamel very fine verge watch Circa 1800

Pocket repeater watch set with oriental pearls
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A very fine gold and enamel verge hour and quarter repeater watch set with oriental pearls, made by Jean-François De Belle in Paris, France, circa 1800. The open faced outstanding quality case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold and enamel, is set with exceptionally large Oriental pearls on both sides, features a blue engine turned enamel back lid, a tiny opening button in the case’s band and has a pendant which is also set with an oriental pearl. The screwed white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals and beautiful gold hands. The numbered movement features a verge escapement and an hours and quarters 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, or Debelle, one of the most important clockmakers of the last quarter of the 18^th century and the early 19^th century. After becoming a maître, he opened a workshop in the rue Saint-Honoré on the corner of the rue de l’Arbre-Sec. His fame grew rapidly and his name was cited in glowing terms in almanacs of the period. During the Revolutionary period, he sat on the committee concerning the new time measurement system. In 1804, his widow delivered two of his creations, very elaborate automaton vases, to the Spanish Court. Today, clocks by De Belle may be found in the most important private and public collections, including the Royal Spanish Collections in Madrid and the Musée National du Château de Fontainebleau.