French 18 carat gold Rococo verge watch Circa 1760

Large Rococo watch set with diamonds
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A large four colour Rococo verge watch set with diamonds, made by the Frères Melly, in Paris, France, circa 1760. The high quality case is crafted in 18 carat multicolour gold and features a high relief depiction of a winemaker tasting his wine on the back, along with an opening button set with a diamond. The enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Arabic numerals at five minute intervals, Roman hour numerals and very unusual original diamond studded hands. The movement is equipped with a verge escapement.
The movement is signed
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Weight: 63 g
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Signed: Frères Melly
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Melly
The name “Melly” in French and Swiss French pocket watchmaking, primarily associated with the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries, refers to a distinguished family of Geneva based watchmakers and merchants who operated in both Switzerland and Paris, frequently signing their pieces as Frères Melly (Melly Brothers) or Blondel & Melly .

The Primary Brothers:

• Ferdinand Melly (1778–1846): The most prominent brother and a recognised “Master” watchmaker. He was the driving force behind the technical quality of their movements. After the partnership “Melly Frères” dissolved in 1829, he continued to produce watches under his own name until his demise.
• François Melly: Often cited as the partner in the firm’s Parisian and Genevan operations during the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries.

The “Melly” name continued through the mid 19^th century via Antoine Melly (The Younger). He was probably Ferdinand’s son or nephew, who famously partnered with Denis Blondel to form Blondel & Melly. This firm carried the family legacy into the 1850’s, specialising in the highly ornate, pearl set enamel watches that collectors seek today.