German single-cased porcelain watch with chatelaine Circa 1755

Gold-mounted porcelain watch
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A fine and rare French/German gold-mounted single-cased porcelain watch and chatelaine attributed to Meissen, circa 1755. The timepiece features a gilded full-plate movement with verge escapement, a decoratively pierced balance bridge engraved with scrolling foliage, and the heads of a dog and bird. It also includes a silver regulation plate, square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, and is signed Baillion à Paris.  The white enamel dial showcases Roman numerals, an outer Arabic minute ring, gilt filigree hands, and an aperture for winding.
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The case is porcelain attributed to Meissen, with the back and bezel adorned with polychrome enamel painted flowers, and the inside back similarly painted with a moth, a ladybird, and a fly, along with gold chased and engraved mounts. The chatelaine is composed of four similarly decorated porcelain panels with polychrome painted flowers, each mounted within gold cartouches chased with scrolls and bunches of grapes. Additionally, two pendant chains of similar form terminate in associated but contemporary English porcelain toys: to one side the figure of a boy (Cupid disguised) inscribed beneath pret a monter, and to the other a pair of porcelain billing doves inscribed beneath imitons les. The chatelaine is backed with gilt metal panels and a pendant hook.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Length including chatelaine: 205 mm
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Signed: Baillion à Paris
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The movement is signed Baillion à Paris, but it may have been manufactured in Germany.
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The current chatelaine is unique because it combines Meissen porcelain elements with plaquettes painted with Deutsche Blumen and contemporary English porcelain “toys” in the form of billing doves and a disguised Cupid. These charms were produced at Chelsea, one of the few English factories that made small luxury items such as scent bottles and bonbonnières.
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The movement is operational but would likely benefit from a thorough cleaning. The dial has scratches and scuffs, with some chipping around the opening catch. The case shows signs of chipping and repair to the bezel beneath 5 o’clock. The main body of the case and the panels on the chatelaine appear to be in good overall condition, with some light scratches. The surface paint on the miniature pendant chain figures is worn and rubbed.