French 18K yellow gold striking pocket watch Circa 1770

Gold open faced watch with striking and toc
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A French 18 carat yellow gold open faced key wound repoussé pocket watch with striking and toc, made by Du Tertre in Paris, late 18th century. It has a key wound mechanical movement with cock type construction, verge escapement, regulating disc, and striking with hammers and toc system, signed J Bt Du Tertre à Paris. The white enamel dial is signed Du Tertre à Paris and features Roman numerals for hours, Arabic numerals for minutes, a railway minute track, and Louis XV style hands. The round case is hinged, with the back decorated in high relief with motifs depicting a scene in an artist’s studio. A hallmark is visible inside.
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Weight: 89 g
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Signed: Dutertre à Paris
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Du Tertre (often written as Dutertre) in Paris was a notable family of 18th century French watchmakers renowned for their technical innovations and luxury timepieces crafted for the aristocracy. Key members include: Jean-Baptiste Dutertre (died around 1773), a leading Parisian watchmaker of his time. He became a master in 1735, taking over his father’s workshop on the Quai des Orfèvres, and notably contributed to the development of the duplex escapement. His clientele included aristocratic figures such as the Duke of Penthièvre and the Marquis de Marigny. Charles-Nicolas Dutertre (active circa 1750–1780) was celebrated for his finely crafted pendulum clocks, often styled in Louis XV or Louis XVI motifs and decorated with gilt bronze and Sèvres porcelain. Some of his works bear the esteemed title “Horloger du Roy” (King’s Watchmaker).