French 18 carat gold and engine turned enamel watch Circa 1900

Belle epoque gold and enamel watch
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An exquisite Belle epoque gold and enamel pendant watch, made by Boucheron in Paris, France, circa 1900. The open faced thin and numbered case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold, has a back with very fine engine turned enamel and rim and bow are also enamelled. The dial has Arabic hour numerals and blued steel hands and the high quality movement has a precision lever escapement.
Case and movement have matching numbers and the dial is signed.
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Diameter: 27 mm
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Weight: 17 g
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Signed: Boucheron, Paris
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Frédéric Boucheron (French watch manufacture)
When Frédéric Boucheron opened his jewellery shop at the Place Vendôme in 1858, he was the first jeweller in the quarter; he soon gained fame for his expert knowledge of precious stones and his exquisite creations. The Maison Boucheron catered for a wealthy and prosperous clientele, and its successes soon allowed the company to branch out to Japan, the Middle and the Far East, Moscow and London. Maison Boucheron exhibited in many international expositions, such as the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition, the 1889 and 1900 World Exhibitions in Paris, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the 1925 International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris. The company’s management – which still trades at the Place Vendôme address – remains in the hands of the family Boucheron. The Verger brothers most likely created this case. They were well-known for their cases and jewellery work and worked for the most eminent jewellers in the world, such as Boucheron. The Verger brothers were also representatives for Vacheron & Constantin in Paris.