French 18K gold manual winding pocket watch Circa 1893

Gold lever pocket dress watch
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A French 18 carat yellow gold manual winding open faced lever pocket watch made by Ch. Fontana & Cie in Paris, circa 1893. This watch features a handwound mechanical movement with a moustache lever escapement, compensated balance wheel, and blued steel Breguet balance spring. It has a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals for hours, an outer minute track with Arabic five minute numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and pear shaped hands. The 18 carat gold case has a monogrammed reverse, engraved gold bowl, chimera hallmark (imported), and no master hallmark. It comes with a red shaped case signed Ch. Fontana & Cie, 96 Galeries Beaujolais 98, Palais Royal, Paris, 1882-1893. A vest chain is included.
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Diameter: 48 mm.
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Weight: 85 g
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Signed: Ch. Fontana & Cie Paris
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The Parisian jewellery company Fontana was founded in 1840 by Thomas Fontana, a Swiss immigrant who set up a small workshop in the Galerie Beaujolais. His craftsmanship gained quick recognition, leading to expansion and eventually the occupation of an entire building. After Thomas died in 1861, control passed to his nephews Joseph and Alexandre. They showcased their work at the 1867 Paris Exposition, including Chinese-style jewellery with enamelled deities and tiny platinum bells.
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Charles Fontana joined the firm in 1867 and took over in 1871, renaming it Ch. Fontana & Cie. He continued his father’s tradition of elegant design. The business grew and became one of Paris’s most renowned jewellers, as noted by Monsignor Vever.
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In 1881, Joseph and his brother Giacomo founded Fontana Frères at 7 Rue de la Paix, while Charles managed the original shop at 13 Rue Royale, which moved in 1896. His traditional jewellery attracted loyal clients. By 1900, the firm showcased Art Nouveau styles with stone and enamel at the Universal Exposition. During the Art Deco period, they produced fashionable jewellery, including souvenirs and diamond pieces.