French rare silver quarter repeating pocket watch Circa 1820

Silver open faced gentleman’s pocket watch by Simon Gallonier
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A rare French gentleman’s quarter repeating pocket watch, circa 1820.
Silver engine turned case with reeded band and pusher for repetition via pendant. Enamel dial with Arabic “Empire” numerals and blued Breguet hands. Full plate movement, keywind, frosted, gilt and signed, with two hammers / two gongs, applied strike work mechanism and three-arm ring balance.
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Weight: 117 g
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Signed: S. Gallonier à Nantes
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Simon Gallonier, French goldsmith and possible watch dealer
The signature S. Gallonier on the clock shown probably stands for Simon Gallonier.

Simon Gallonier was born in Saint-Herblain on January 15, 1775, to Pierre Gallonier (1729-1768) and Renée Marie Buisson de la Chesnaie (1736-1816). Simon was the brother of Pierre Jacques Philippe Gallonnier and Prosper Gallonier but both are watchmakers. Simon Gallonier was based in the rue de la Casserie.

Simon married Marie Anne Bretineau (1779-1822) on June 12, 1802 (23 Prairial year X} in Nantes. From this marriage 5 children were born. At the birth of Simon Philippe and Anne Rosalie the brothers were the father 22-year-old watchmaker Joachim Nicolas Letulle (rue de la Casserie) witness. When daughter Mélanie Renée was born, the 26-year-old watchmaker Léonard Beaux (rue de la Casserie) witnessed. Letulle and Beaux were possibly employed as watchmakers for Simon Gallonier.

Simon Gallonier died on June 24th 1855 in Nantes at the age of 80.