Unusual Swiss gold lever watch with compass Circa 1880

Gold hunting cased key wind watch
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An unusual Swiss 18 carat gold hunting cased pocket watch with a compass made by Lucien Dubois in Le Locle, circa 1850. The case with a reeded band and hinged gold cuvette. White enamel dial with radial Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 8 o’clock, a compass at 4 and gold moon hands. A matte gilt bar caliber movement jewelled to the third wheel, lateral counterpoised lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, flat balance spring and an index regulator. Dial, cuvette and movement signed.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Signed: Lucien Dubois  Locle
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Lucien Dubois is likely to be part of the Swiss Dubois et Fils dynasty, which specialized in watches with unusual apertures and technical curiosities. The company was established by Philippe Dubois (1738-1808) and became one of the most eminent in the Neuchâtel area for over two centuries.