English 18K gold minute repeating duplex watch Circa 1823

Gold open faced gentlemen’s watch
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An important minute repeating pocket watch made by Rivers & Son in London, England, circa 1823. The extremely heavy open faced case was made of 18 carat gold, has an engine turned back, polished bezels, pendant and bow, a reeded band and London Hallmarks for 1823. The golden dial of outstanding quality has an engine turned center, applied Roman hours, outer minute dots, an engine turned subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock with Arabic numerals on a matt chapter ring and gold spade hands. The rare movement repeats the minutes, has a duplex escapement and a diamond cap stone.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 171 g
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Signed: Rivers London
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This watch is technically an absolute rarity. Very few watches from this period are equipped with a minute repeater.
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Rivers & Son
Rivers & Son took over the company of Daniel De St. Leu in London, which was in service of the royal house and world famous for its fantastic self striking mechanisms in pocket watches. The signature Rivers & Son was used from 1782 to 1815.
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Daniel De St. Leu
Daniel De St. Leu was a Genevan of origin. As a watchmaker, he worked in Geneva and London. De st. Leu was listed in London from 1753 until 1797. 

He manufactured some of the most exquisite and elaborate watches of the 18th century. Gaining royal favour, he was appointed watchmaker to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, in 1765, a title he held for the rest of his life, since all his watches after this date are either signed ‘Sevt. to her Majesty’ or ‘Watch Maker to her Majesty’.

He crafted movements of superior quality and specialized in making watches for affluent Ottoman clients, who requested their watches to be as pieces of jewellery, preferably in lavish decorated gold cases and set with precious stones. In the 18th century, the export of English watches to the Ottoman Empire was conducted on a large scale.