French ladies’ à toc et à tact quarter repeating watch Circa 1790

Gold open faced pocket watch 
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A fine French 22 carat gold and diamond set open faced à toc quarter repeating and à tact ladies’ pocket watch made by Jean-Antoine Lépine in Paris, circa 1790. This pocket watch boasts a case attributed to Jean-Jacques Prévost, 1762-1768. It features a distinctive crossed laurel charge mark and is adorned with a two tone gold foliate decor on the back cover. A central oval cartouche, intricately chased and bordered with diamonds, takes center stage, surrounded by two crossed laurel wreaths and two ruby crowned hearts. The case bears the maker’s mark MDC and GL, and is equipped with a diamond set thumb piece and a sizable lateral hinge. The white enamel dial adds to the watch’s elegance with Roman numerals and Fleur-de-Lys hands embellished with paste gems. Internally, the timepiece features a full plate movement with a frosted and gilt finish. The use of solid movement pillars and a cylinder escapement, coupled with a three arm brass balance, reflects the technological sophistication of the mid 18th century.
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Diameter: 37 mm
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Weight: 47 g
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Signed: Lépine à Paris Hger du Roy Invenit et Fecit