French 18K gold half-hunting cased lever pocket watch Circa 1850

Gold half hunter watch by Le Roy & fils
–
A decorative, high-quality Parisian half-hunting cased pocket watch with an enamel numeral ring, circa 1850. This exquisite watch features an engine-turned 18K gold case with translucent dark red enamel and a superimposed coat of arms with the motto Sapiens qui assiduus (wise · who is diligent). The enamel dial displays Roman radial hours, an outer minutes track, a subsidiary dial for the seconds, and arrow-style hands. The watch also boasts a bridge movement, key winder, pointed lever escapement, and gold screw compensation balance.
–
Diameter: 48 mm
–
Weight: 96 g
–
Signed: Le Roy & Fils
–
Le Roy et Fils was a renowned French watch manufacturer based in Paris. Bazile-Charles Leroy founded the company, later renamed Le Roy et Fils, in 1828 when his son, Louis-Charles Le Roy, became its co-owner. From 1829, the company worked as a court clockmaker for the Dukes of Bourbon and Chartres. In 1845, Louis-Charles sold the company to Georges Casimir Halley des Fontaines, but the name remained unchanged.
–
Although the company’s owners changed several times, the name remained the same. Le Roy et Fils was only closed in 1980. The company was known for producing high-quality pocket watches and marine chronometers. In 1879, Louis Leroy joined the company as a watchmaker and later took over the company with Jules Halley des Fontaines, changing the name to L. Leroy & Cie. In 1895, Louis’ brother, Léon Leroy, also joined the company and became a partner in 1914.