French gold and enamel single cased verge watch Circa 1660-1685

Gold and enamel watch by Nicholas Gribelin 
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A French gold and polychrome enamel painted pocket watch, circa 1660-1685. This watch features a movement dating back to around 1685, equipped with a gilded full plate, signed Gribelin à Paris, a verge escapement, and a plain three arm balance with a short spring. The balance cock is decoratively pierced and engraved with floral and foliate designs. It includes rack and pinion regulation with a small silver indication disc, a standing barrel, and vase shaped pillars. The dial has a white enamel chapter ring marked with black Roman numerals. The centre is beautifully painted in polychrome enamel, depicting the Flight into Egypt, attributed to Robert Vauquer (1625-1670) and is based on an engraving by his brother Jacques (1621-1686). The watch features a blued steel, turned floriate form hand.
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The case is made of gold and has been restored with enamel. The back of the case showcases a polychrome enamel painting depicting the Birth of Christ, featuring the Virgin and Child at the centre, surrounded by Joseph and the shepherds. The sides of the case illustrate lakeside vignettes with figures of boating, fishing, and strolling. The inside back displays a landscape scene of a boy playing a flute beside cattle by a lake, and it has a plain gold bezel.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Signed: Gribelin À Paris
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The movement is operational, with some scuffs and scratches on the backplate and re bushing around the pinions. The dial is in good overall condition. The case enamel has been fully restored, though some cracks are visible around the band.
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The movement of this watch, dating to around 1685, seems to have been specifically crafted to fit an older watch case from circa 1660. The original movement likely lacked a balance spring, suggesting that the replacement movement was installed to take advantage of the improved timekeeping provided by the balance spring.
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Nicholas Gribelin (1637-1719) was born in Blois into a family of renowned craftsmen as the son of Abraham and grandson of Simon Gribelin. In 1675, he became a Master at Faubourg St. Germain. By 1693, he was operating from Rue de Bucy, Paris, after receiving a royal patent. Gribelin collaborated with Jean de Hauteville (1647-1724), crafting 8 day duration watches for him in 1692. Watches bearing the Gribelin signature are part of the collections at the British Museum, Ashmolean, and Victoria & Albert Museums.
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Robert Vauquer (1625-1670) was a highly skilled enamel painter of his era, likely spending his entire life in Blois. His brother, Jacques, was an engraver known for creating designs for watch cases. Examples of Jacques’ engravings can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum.