French gold pocket watch with pearls on both sides Circa 1775

Gold, enamel and pearl-set verge watch by Pierre Gregson
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A French important, large 18 carat gold, enamel and pearl-set open faced verge pocket watch, circa 1775.
The case back with polychrome enamel scene, both sides set with Orient pearls, the pendant with an opening button. Signed white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and original pink gold hands. Signed verge movement.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 81 g
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Signed: Gregson A Paris
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Jean-Pierre Gregson was a French court watchmaker of English descent. Enamel watches with his signature are among the most wanted collectors’ objects and reach high collector’s prices in international art auctions. Gregson was obviously a very capable master and one of the first watchmakers to use Lépine’s bridge calibre. In 1776 he became a court watchmaker, which soon became visible in the designation of his watches. At first, they were signed with “Gregson à Paris”, later with the addition “Hger du Roy”. His significant position is also evident in the fact that he was appointed in 1786 as a member of a commission establishing a royal manufactory. The other members were the most famous watchmakers in France Breguet, Berthoud and Lepaute.