Gold enamel Swiss watch with diamond trimmings Circa 1870

Pocket watch with magnifying glass painting
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A gold enamel pocket watch with diamond trimmings and a magnifying glass painting, made for the Arabian market by Louis-Frédéric Lequin in Fleurier, Switzerland, circa 1870. This pocket watch is made of 18 carat gold and has an open faced case with on the reverse side of the watch a stunning depiction of an Arab, who’s headdress is set with diamonds, painted with the finest magnifying glass technique. The white enamel dial has an inner ring with Roman numerals for the hours, an outer ring with Arabic numbers for the minutes and filigree steel hands that add to the watch’s elegance and beauty.
The movement has a cylinder escapement, wolf’s tooth winding wheels that ensure its smooth operation and eight rubies. To complement this exquisite pocket watch, there is a matching gold and enamel brooch, also adorned with diamonds.
The dust cover is signed.
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Diameter: 32 mm
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Weight: 28 g
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Signed: Lequin Fleurier
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Louis-Frédéric Lequin was a Swiss watchmaker who operated in Fleurier during the late 19th century. He was known for his high quality pocket watches and chronometers, which were highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Louis-Frédéric Lequin was a notable Swiss watchmaker who worked during the mid 19th century. He was known for his expertise in creating high quality and precise timepieces. Some of his achievements as a watchmaker include winning several awards for his work at international exhibitions, including the 1862 London World Exhibition and the 1867 Paris World Exhibition. At the latter event, he was awarded a gold medal for his watches that featured a minute repeater and perpetual calendar. Lequin was also known for his contributions to the development of watchmaking technology, particularly in the area of escapements. He invented a type of escapement known as the “Lequin escapement,” which was used in many of his timepieces and was praised for its accuracy.