French gold decorated pocket watch with enamel painting Circa 1790

Gold and enamel cylinder watch by Gregson
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An extraordinary French 18-carat gold and enamel open faced cylinder pocket watch, circa 1790.
Early French cylinder movement. Floral engraved case, the back with an oval medallion depicting the polychrome enamel portrait of a lady, applied silver stone set frame, an opening button in the pendant, small button hidden in the edge of the case to open the front. White enamel dial with radial Arabic numerals, outer minutes track with fifteen minutes numerals, and exceptionally beautiful gold hands. Dial signed, signed and numbered dust cover, matching numbers with the factory plate.
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Weight: 72 g
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Signed: Gregson Hor du Roy A Paris
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The case is a typical work by Gregson. The ingenious opening mechanism is a distinguishing feature used by him and Lépine.
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Jean-Pierre Gregson was originally from England. In 1776 he became a Royal watchmaker in Paris. As one of the first watchmakers of his time, he used Lépine’s bridge calibre early on.