French chronometer with spherical balance spring Circa 1830

Gold open faced pocket watch by Girard & Bornand
–
A very fine and heavy French pocket chronometer with spherical balance spring, circa 1830. This pocket watch boasts an 18 carat gold tiered engine-turned case with a reeded band and a signed gold dome. The enamel dial is adorned with radial Roman numerals, auxiliary seconds, and elegant gold Breguet hands. The watch’s movement is a 1/2 plate design, with the ébauche provided by Dubois. It is keywind, frosted, and gilt and bears the maker’s signature. The movement features 12 jewels, a chain/fusee mechanism, a heavy bimetallic chronometer balance with two weights and six screws, a spherical balance spring, according to Houriet, a detent escapement, and a balance stop device.
–
Diameter: 55 mm
–
Weight: 160 g
–
Signed: Girard & Bornand à Ste Croix
–
This precision watch was created in the tradition of Houriet: The design of the movement, the finishing of the surface, the spherical hairspring, and the spring detent escapement are exceptional.