French attractive multi-coloured gold repeating watch Circa 1760

Gold quarter repeating pocket watch by the famous Julien Le Roy
–
A French decorative Parisian verge pocket watch with quarter repeater in a three-color gold case, circa 1760. Full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm steel balance, engraved and pierced balance bridge with the initials JLR, polished steel coqueret and silver regulation disc.
The case back is decorated with a vase filled with flowers, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves and crowned with a bow. The edge is open worked to improve the sound of the quarter repeater. The repetition is done by pressing down the pendant. repetition of the quarter and hours on a bell
White enamel dial, edge with inscription: Inventé par Jul. Le Roy / en 1740 et Le Rouage en 1755, Roman radial hours, outer minutes track with Arabic five minutes numerals and decorative gold hands. Signed and numbered spindle movement. Signed dial.
–
Diameter: 45 mm
–
Weight: 93 g
–
Signed: Julien Le Roy a Paris
–
The inscription “Inventé par Julien Le Roy en 1740” refers to the invention of the so-called “à bâte levée”, a new arrangement developed by Julien Le Roy that allows more space for the repeater mechanism. This invention was soon adopted and used by most watchmakers. The year 1755 refers to the invention of the “all-or-nothing safety” in repeating chimes (see Ch. Allix and G. Brusa: Antiquarian Horology, June 1972)
–
The leading role of French watchmaking in the 18th century was decisively shaped by the outstanding watchmaker Julien Le Roy (1686 -1759). He became a master in 1713, presented an equivalence clock at the Académie Royale des Sciences in 1717 and became royal court clockmaker in 1739 with his own rooms in the Louvre.
–
He developed the adjustable cock for the escape wheel in verge watches (“potence”), the repeater strike of pocket watches on springs instead of bells, and the “all-or-nothing safety” in repeater strike mechanisms. His inventions and improvements were of such far-reaching importance that many watchmakers immediately incorporated them into their watches. Julien Le Roy was director of the “Société des Arts” and, together with his son, contributed articles on clocks to the Encyclopédie by Diderot and d’Alembert.
–
His son Pierre Le Roy (1717-1785) was one of the most important French watchmakers and inventors. Together with Ferdinand Berthoud, Le Roy was a leader in the development of chronometer escapements. He created temperature compensation using a bimetal balance wheel with adjustable ground screws and the isochronous balance spring. His developments created the basis for today’s mechanical chronometers.
–
Case with traces of wear
–
Reference 0025000