French self striking and quarter repeating watch Circa 1789-1809

Gold open faced pocket watch by Le Roy
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A French rare quarter repeating and self striking pocket watch, circa 1789-1809.
Engine turned 20 Carat gold case with reeded mid section, Parisian 20 Carat gold punch 1798-1809 and inside the case four extraordinary steel very solid gongs. Prime quality movement, self striking hours and quarters, repeating hours and quarters with locking device to avoid accidental release, movement with four hammers, special construction, cylinder escapement, manufacturer of the movement Esquivillon et Deschoudens à Genève. White signed enamel dial (peripheral rubbed) with Breguet’s Arabic numerals and extravagant Breguet blued steel hands.
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Weight: 158 g
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Signed: Le Roy
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The watch is technically a museum piece. The design corresponds to highest Geneva quality. Both Breguet and Le Roy sourced highly complicated striking work from Geneva for example from Decombaz or, as in this case, from Esquivillon et Deschoudens à Genève, one of the best known manufacturers of striking work and automaton.