French repeater on a bell with option for silent striking Circa 1770

Rare gold open faced pocket watch by Renard
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A fine and rare French gold quarter repeating watch on a bell with option for silent striking, circa 1770.
18 carat gold “Louis XV” case with bell fixed inside the back, band pierced for better striking sound and pin protruding at 7 o’clock which, when pressed changes striking from a loud bell to a quiet “à toc”. Signed white enamel dial with Roman hours, large outer five-minutes, winding aperture and gold “Poker & Beetle” hands. Fire gilt full plate movement with chain/fusee, verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance cock and protected by fire gilt dust cup.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Weight: 124 g
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Signed: Renard à Reims
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Reims, located about 150 km east of Paris, has a horological tradition going back to the 16th century. Tardy notes that Renard made an interesting clock during the turn of the Regency and Louis XV periods. This watch is interesting for its finish and the unusual fire gilded dust cup, rarely associated with French watches, as well as for its unusual bell having its outer edge curved inwards.