French gold pocket watch with repeater and seconds Circa 1820

Gold pocket watch with Directoire ornamental key
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A very rare gold pocket watch with repeater and seconds, No 1895 with year mark 1809-4 and two “Directoire” ornamental keys, made by Le Paute Horloger de L’Empereur à Paris, France, circa 1812. The open faced case of the watch is made of 20 Carat gold, adorned with intricate engine turning and bearing a French 20 Carat gold hallmark. Its elegance is further enhanced by the presence of a white enamel dial, featuring steel hands and a subsidiary dial for the seconds display, positioned at approximately 6:30, a truly unique and captivating detail. What sets this watch apart from its contemporaries is its movement. Boasting an exceptionally fine and rare calibre, this timepiece features a cylinder escapement and a quarter hour repeater. The repeater function allows the wearer to audibly chime the time on demand, a feature that was highly sought after during this era. It is truly a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the watchmaker. Accompanying this remarkable timepiece is a presumably original “Directoire” show key, adorned with red moss agate. This key not only serves as a decorative element but also plays a practical role in setting the hands of the watch. Additionally, another key for the winding mechanism is included, ensuring that this timepiece remains in perfect working order.
The exceptional quality of this watch is further underscored by its rarity. To our knowledge, this is the only known example of its kind with a seconds display. Such a feature would have been highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs of fine timepieces during this period.
Both the dial and dust cover of this watch bear the signature of its maker, further attesting to its authenticity and provenance. The dust cover is also numbered, adding an additional layer of historical significance to this extraordinary timepiece.
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Diameter 57 mm
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Weight: 137 g
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Signed: Le Paute Horloger de L’Empereur à Paris
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Pierre-Basile Lepaute took over the famous Jean André Lepaute founded the company in the 1740’s and managed it together with his son Pierre-Michel Lepaute (1785-1849). He held the title of Horloger de l’Empereur during the imperial period. Lepaute was one of the main suppliers of clocks to the imperial court and was allowed to exhibit at the industrial fairs in 1819 and 1823. The Lepautes were among France’s leading clock and clock manufacturers. Among the members of the family were inventors and writers, as well as researchers and excellent master craftsmen. Her customers included Louis XV, Louis XVI, Madame du Barry, Duc de Bourbon, the Princesse de Monaco, King Ferdinand VI, King Charles III and Charles IV of Spain.