French ultra flat pocket watch with comma escapement Circa 1780

Gold enamel pocket watch with finest paillon enamel
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An exquisite ultra flat gold enamel pocket watch with comma escapement and finest paillon enamel, made by the royal watchmaker Jean-Pierre Gregson in Paris, France, circa 1780. The open faced case of this watch is made from 18 Carat gold and has extremely rare enamel work with a pearl rim and enamelled on both sides; blue guilloché enamel on the back with the finest paillon inlay and an opening button in the pendant. The white enamel dial has Arabic numerals in an outer ring with the quarters an inner ring for the hours and probably original gold hands. The movement includes a rare calibre with comma (virgule) escapement.
The presumably original key comes with the watch. Dial and dust cover signed.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 76 g
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Signed: Gregson, Hor. du Roy
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Jean-Pierre Gregson was originally from England. In 1776 he became royal watchmaker in Paris. Its important position is also reflected in the fact that in 1786 he was appointed a member of a commission to set up a royal manufactory. The other members were the most famous watchmakers in France: Breguet, Berthoud and Lepaute. As one of the first watchmakers of his time, he used Lépine’s bridge calibre early on. Gregson enamel watches are among the most coveted pieces in this collection area! In particular, the work version presented here is of museum value!