Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel pocket watch Circa 1760

Verge pocket watch of very fine quality
–
An early gold and enamel pair cased verge watch of very fine quality, made by the Frères de Roches in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1760. This watch features a pair case crafted from 18 carat gold and enamel, an enamel painting of high quality on the back, a case edge with elaborate floral enamel inlays, both sides also set with gemstones and a  plain inner case. The white enamel dial features an outer 5 minutes track, Roman hour numerals but the hands are missing. The numbered movement is fitted with an early verge movement and a worm screw.
The dial and movement are signed.
–
Diameter: 39 mm
–
Weight: 62 g
–
Signed: Fr De Roches & Fils
–
(De)Roches
In the 18^th century, the name Roches (or De Roches) became synonymous with the high quality Swiss, Geneva watchmaking tradition. The ” Frères De Roches” (De Roches Brothers) were primarily active between 1720 and 1775. They specialised in the production of ornate pocket watches during the transition from the Rococo to the late 18^th century Neoclassical styles
Today, authenticated 18^th and early 19^th century Roches timepieces are featured in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These pieces are valued by collectors as representative of the Swiss chamber system, where a master “maker” coordinated dozens of specialist craftsmen to produce a single finished watch.