French 18K yellow gold open faced pocket watch Circa 1900

Gold open faced pocket watch
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A French 18 carat yellow gold open faced pocket watch, signed Bisontine, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The watch has a three body solid gold case with a back cover finely chased and decorated with a floral motif. The case bears the French Horsehead (tête de cheval) hallmark, used between 1838 and 1919 to guarantee 18 carat gold. The white enamel dial shows Arabic numerals for the hours, a railway minute track with Arabic five minute numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and Louis XV style hands. The keyless manual wind lever movement is signed Bisontine, referring to the horological production of Besançon. The watch has a fluted crown and a circular bow.
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Diameter: 45-50 mm (estimated)
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Weight: 65.7 g
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Signed: Bisontine
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Bisontine watchmaker refers to an artisan or company from Besançon, the historic capital of French watchmaking. The city earned this reputation in the 19th century by producing 90% of all French watches at one point.
Today, the term is most closely associated with the Société des Montres Bisontines (SMB), a major manufacturer that brought the legendary brand LIP back to its roots in Besançon in 2014.