French gold enamel verge watch with floral case decoration Circa 1740

Extremely rare watch with case decoration according to Bouvier
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An extremely rare gold enamel verge watch with case decoration according to Bouvier, made by Jacob Melly in Paris, France, circa 1740. The open faced case is made from 18 Carat gold and was decorated using a special enamelling technique developed by Guillaume Bouvier. The backside has green guilloché enamel on a white background with golden elements on it and floral decoration. The case is also enameled on the inside and the white enamel on the front is decorated with golden flowers. The white enamel dial has an outer ring with Arabic numerals for the minutes, an inner ring with Roman numerals for the hours and red gold hands. The movement has a spindle escapement.
Movement signed.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 95 g
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Signed: Jacob Melly, Paris
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Guillaume Bovier
Guillaume Bovier was known for his special technique of enamelling, incorporating raised gold elements into the enamel work. The background was mostly white and intended to imitate Meissen porcelain. He made both precious watch cases and boxes.