French 18 carat gold and exquisite enamel watch Circa 1780

A large and important enamel watch
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A one of the largest and most important, exquisite enamel watches, made by Jean-Pierre Gregson in Paris, France,  circa 1780. This outstanding quality watch features a glazed, gilt protective case, an 18 carat gold case decorated with multicoloured paillons along the edge areas on both sides and the back is adorned with a finely executed enamel painting and a pendant with a tiny opening button. The white enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Arabic numerals at 15 minute intervals and Roman hour numerals and gold arrow hands. The extremely rare super flat Hessen movement is equipped with a cylinder escapement.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Weight: 102 g
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Signed: Gregson à Paris
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Gregson
Jean-Pierre Gregson was originally from England. In 1776, he became the royal court watchmaker in Paris. Gregson had a penchant for complicated escapements and unusual shapes. He often used cylinder or virgule escapements in his pocket watches. He was also one of the few to use the super flat Hessen caliber. Among other things, he also built gold enamel watches with a virgule escapement and watches with visible balance wheels and center seconds.

His prominent position is also evident from the fact that in 1786 he was appointed to a commission to establish a royal manufactory. The other members were the most famous watchmakers in France – Breguet, Berthoud and Lepaute.

After the start of the French Revolution, being a royal watchmaker was not particularly beneficial for business, and Gregson quickly renounced his title. In 1790, he returned to London, his safe homeland.