French gold repeating watch with concealed erotic scene Circa 1800

Gold open faced keywind repeating verge watch
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A fine and rare French 18 carat rose gold open faced quarter repeating pocket watch with concealed erotic scene made by Berthoud in Paris, circa 1800. This watch has a mechanical key winding movement featuring a verge escapement and a decorated balance cock with a screwed centre jewel. It is signed Berthoud A Paris. The watch includes an integrated quarter repeating mechanism striking the hours and quarters. The white enamel dial shows elegant black Breguet numerals for the hours, a subtle winding aperture between 1 and 2 o’clock, an outer minute track, and blued steel Breguet hands. It is signed Berthoud A Paris at the bottom.
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The timepiece is housed in an 18 carat rose gold open faced case with a finely guilloché case back. An inner metal cover signed Berthoud À Paris opens to reveal a finely detailed engraved erotic scene. The watch has a repeating push piece activation system through the pendant and a sturdy round suspension bow.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Signed: Berthoud A Paris