French gold verge watch with enamel painting Circa 1780

Gold and enamel open faced verge watch
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A French 18 carat yellow gold open faced pocket watch with a polychrome enamel painted scene, made by Jean-Pierre Gregson, Horloger du Roi, in Paris, circa 1780. The watch has a key wound mechanical movement with verge escapement, fusee and chain, and spiral balance. The white enamel dial shows Arabic numerals for the hours, an outer minute track with Arabic fifteen minute numerals, winding square at 2 o’clock, and Cathedral style hands. The case includes a metal inner case, with the back decorated with a finely painted polychrome enamel scene.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Weight: 97 g
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Signed: Gregson à Paris
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The watch presents an accident to the enamel around the edge, one hand to be refastened.
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Jean-Pierre Gregson
A distinguished English born watchmaker active in Paris in the late 18th century. Gregson gained notable recognition, becoming the Watchmaker to King Louis XVI in 1776. He was a pioneer in high quality watchmaking and among the first to use the Lépine bridged calibre, which enabled the creation of slimmer movements. His expertise was highly regarded, leading to his inclusion in a 1786 commission for a royal manufactory alongside renowned horologists such as Breguet, Berthoud, and Lepaute.