French 18K pink gold à toc quarter repeating watch Circa 1780

Pink gold open faced cylinder watch
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A fine French 18 carat pink gold open faced quarter repeating à toc pocket watch made by Jean-Antoine Lépine in Paris, circa 1780. The gilt Lépine caliber cylinder movement with wolf’s tooth winding and a large hammer for the repeat. White enamel dial with Arabic numerals, an outer minute track and decorative hands. The plain case features a Lépine patented release system and a cuvette engraved with technical details, the repeating activated by depressing the bow. Dial and cuvette signed.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Signed: Lépine Invenit et Fecit
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This watch combines the three major inventions of Jean-Antoine Lépine:
– The Lépine caliber including the balance cock in line with the gear train bridges;
– his case release system;
– and wolf’s tooth winding.
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While the Lépine caliber is his most notable invention, wolf’s tooth winding was a very rare addition to his movements that was eventually adapted and used most by Patek Philippe.