French gold pocket watch with champlevé enamel decor Circa 1820

Gold open faced pocket watch by Gounouilhou & Francois
–
A rare, fine Geneva pocket watch with floral champlevé enamel decor, circa 1820.
18-carat gold champlevé enamel polished case. Silver engine-turned dial with inlaid radial Roman numerals on the peripheral chapter ring and blued Breguet’s hands. Frosted gilt bridge movement, keywind, ruby cylinder escapement, three-arm gold balance and shock protection parachute.
–
Diameter: 41 mm
–
Weight: 45 g
–
Signed: Gounouilhou & Francois à Genève
–
Gounouilhou & Francois
Geneva makers Gounouilhou & Francois had a workshop at the Quai de l’Isle 241 and were known for their clocks and watches with complications. They also produced carriage clocks with both petite and Grande Sonnerie. Some of their creations were exhibited at the first watch exhibition in Geneva in 1828. French protestant Pierre-Simon Gounouilhou was born in 1779 and is credited with having had a major effect on the watchmaking industry in Geneva. He produced many remarkable timepieces, such as watches with quarter-chiming and Jacquemarts. In February 1829, Gounouilhou was one of the petitioners to construct a new observatory.