French gold enamel quarter repeating verge watch circa 1780

Fine open faced pocket watch by Ferdinand Berthoud
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A French fine gold enamel quarter repeating verge pocket watch, circa 1780.
18 carat gold, signed and numbered case with translucent cobalt blue enamelling over a lavishly engraved ground with floral and geometrical motifs, rear bell, case maker’s punch mark “MD”, movement protection cap and large lateral hinge. Signed enamel dial with radial Roman hours, Arabic minutes and Louis XV hands. Signed, firegilt, engraved full plate movement with chain/fusee, moulded pillars, 2 hammers, three-arm steel balance and pierced balance bridge.
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Diameter: 47  mm
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Weight: 118 g
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Signed: Ferdinand Berthoud à Paris
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Ferdinand Berthoud
This watch was made by Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807) in Paris, when he emigrated from Switzerland in 1747. In Paris he founded the well established firm “Bertoud à Paris”. Berthoud was not only an eminent watchmaker but also the author of several books on the history, theory, and practice of watchmaking.
Lit.:Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute.