Rare French 18K gold verge watch with chased decoration Circa 1775

Gold verge watch from the Louis XVI period
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A rare and fine French 18 carat gold open faced Louis XVI verge pair cased pocket watch, made by Julien Le Roy, circa 1754-1793. This watch features a gilt movement with a fusee and chain and a verge escapement. The white enamel dial, signed Julien Le Roy, displays Roman numerals for the hours, an outer minute track with Arabic numerals for five minute divisions, and Louis XV style hands. The piece consists of two cases. The inner case showcases an 18 carat multicoloured gold decorative chasing on the back, depicting a trophy of gardening tools framed by floral garlands. The outer case is made from leather shagreen and lined with gold potted roussette. It also includes a gold winding mechanism.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Weight: 84 g
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Signed: Julien Le Roy
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Louis XVI was the last monarch of France before the French Revolution. Initially popular, his indecisiveness and conservatism led to his decline in support, culminating in his execution in January 1793 at the hands of the guillotine during the Reign of Terror.
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Born Louis-Auguste, he was often neglected by his parents, who favoured his older brother. After the deaths of his family members, Louis-Auguste became the dauphin and married Marie Antoinette at the age of fourteen. Their union was met with resentment due to Austria’s association and the fallout from the Seven Years’ War. Despite a rocky start, they had four children, none of whom would inherit the throne.
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Louis ascended to the throne in 1774 when the French government faced severe debt. Aiming to involve public opinion, he appointed advisors to assist with financial reforms, but these measures angered the nobility, leading to their dismissal. Faced with an escalating debt crisis, he called the Estates-General for the first time since 1614. This led to the Third Estate’s rise in the National Assembly and to the storming of the Bastille on July 14, symbolising revolutionary fervour.
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Subsequently, Louis and Marie were moved to the Tuileries Palace in Paris. Although he retained some popularity, Louis soon fell into depression. His indecisiveness led to a failed escape attempt in 1791, resulting in their house arrest. Imprisoned in 1792, Louis was accused of high treason. Ultimately, he was executed, marking the end of the French monarchy.