French heavy gold pocket watch with striking mechanism Circa 1815

Gold pocket watch with skeletonized dial
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An extraordinary and heavy French 18 carat red gold open faced quarter repeating skeletonized verge pocket watch with a striking mechanism, circa 1810-1820.
Polished case with an edged middle part and French gold hallmarks. A white enamel chapter ring on the front with black enamelled numerals and outer minute divisions, the centre is skeletonized with a view to the striking mechanism decorated with a gold openwork relief depicting a lady at an altar with a kneeling putto on it, blued steel moon hands. Skeletonized verge movement, a blued regulating disc. Dial, dust cover and movement signed.
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Diameter: 53.5 mm
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Weight: 115 g
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Signed: Romilly & Comp^e
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Romilly, also known as Honoré Pons-Alexandre Romilly, was a watchmaker in Paris during the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. He was born in 1758 in the town of Tonbridge, England and received a formal education at a school in Greenwich. Later on, he went to study law at the University of Edinburgh but dropped out to pursue his passion for horology and became known for his exceptional skills and innovations in watchmaking. He died in 1835. Some of Romilly’s most notable accomplishments as a watchmaker include:

Improved escapement design: Romilly made significant contributions to the development of escapements, which are vital components in mechanical watches. His improvements helped increase accuracy and reliability in timekeeping.

Invention of the detached lever escapement: Romilly is credited with inventing the detached lever escapement, which is a type of escapement mechanism used in watches. This invention improved the accuracy and precision of timekeeping.

Precision timekeeping: Romilly was known for his ability to create highly accurate timepieces. His watches were sought after by collectors and connoisseurs due to their precision and reliability.

Influence on watchmaking: Romilly’s innovations and expertise had a significant impact on the watchmaking industry during his time. His designs and techniques were widely adopted by other watchmakers, further advancing the field.