Swiss 18 carat gold and pearl set verge watch Circa 1830

Gold open faced ladies’ pocket watch
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A fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold and pearl set open faced ladies’ pendant watch made by Frères Melly in Geneva, circa 1830. The matte gilt movement, ∅26 mm, with fusee and chain, a verge escapement, micrometric potence adjustment, three arm brass balance with a flat balance spring, continental balance clock and silvered regulation dial. Gold, engine turned and engraved dial with Arabic hour numerals on white enamel reserves, an outer white enamel minute track and original blued steel Breguet hands. The case is fully set with split pearls in a radial pattern. Movement signed, case numbered.
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Diameter: 35 mm
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Signed: Frères Melly
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Frères Melly were highly respected Swiss watchmakers and jewellers based in Geneva, Paris and London. The company was founded in 1753 by Henri Melly and his four older brothers, and is renowned for its high quality pocket watches from the 18th and 19th centuries.
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They used lavishly engraved and finished verge fusee movements as well as early lever escapements with high jewel counts. Their pieces were often crafted from silver or 18 carat gold and richly decorated with enamel, diamonds and pearls or fashioned into exceptional shapes such as musical instruments.