French oval repeating watch with a visible balance Circa 1820

Gold quarter repeating watch by Leroy
–
A unique French gold oval quarter repeating pocket watch with a visible balance, circa 1820 This exquisite timepiece features a gilded movement with a cylinder escapement, polished skeletonized bridges for the going and repeating trains, a gilt standing barrel, and two serpentine gongs. The dial showcases a gilded engine-turned design with two apertures revealing the visible twin-rimmed balance, an aperture above to partially display the movement, a white enamel chapter ring with Arabic numerals, and an outer minute ring. The gold case boasts a polished oval shape with rounded sides, a plunge pendant, and a catch to the left for opening the back. The gilt metal cuvette includes apertures and directional indicators for winding and hand-setting, and it is elegantly signed and numbered Leroy, Palais Royal CAB.
–
Signed: Leroy, Palais Royal, Paris
–
The engine turning on the dial plate has a slight linear kink towards the bottom and a small hole near the border on the lower right side. There is a light scratch running up from the dial screw at the lower right side. The white enamel chapter ring has three hairlines and some wear and repair to the inner metal ring. The case is in polished condition and has a French control mark for Paris ‘petite recense’ dating from 1819-1838. The movement is running but the repeating function is somewhat sluggish, indicating that it would likely benefit from a service and overhaul.