Swiss 18 carat gold gold and enamel pocket watch Circa 1780

Rare watch with oriental pearl trim
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An important and extremely rare gold and enamel pendant watch with oriental pearl trim, attributed to Frères Bordier in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1780. This watch features an 18 carat gold case which is enamelled and set with Oriental pearls on both sides and is adorned with an exquisite enamel miniature painting on the case back. The white enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Arabic numerals and gold arrow hands. The extremely rare Hessen movement is equipped with a cylinder escapement.
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Dimensions: 72 x 52 mm
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Signed: No name
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The manufacturer of these unique works of art was Bordier in Geneva. As far as known, there are only three of these watches, all with the same type of case: the actual watch case is the centerpiece of an elaborate pendant that is enamelled and set with oriental pearls.
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Bordier
The Bordier family had a long history in Genevan watchmaking, with roots going back to the late 16^th century. During the late 18^th century, particularly around 1780, the prominent pocket watchmaking firm was Frères Bordier,  founded by Denis and Isaac Bordier and active in Geneva from 1787 to 1810.
The family business, operating under names like “Roman Bordier & Cie.” and “Bordier Frères,” likely ended with the passing of its key members and the shift in industry practices.
Their work is often found in antique auctions and museum collections, with documented pieces dating from the 1790’s to around 1830.