Swiss 18 carat gold historically important Lépine watch Circa 1842

Gold duplex quarter repeater
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A historically important quarter repeating Lépine pocket watch made by Patek, Philippe in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1842. The numbered open faced case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold and has an engine turned back lid. The white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track and steel moon hands. The numbered cuvette is inscribed. The movement has an exquisite duplex escapement, temperature compensation and repeats the quarter hours.
Case and cuvette have matching numbers and the cuvette is signed.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Weight: 72 g
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Signed: Patek & Czapek à Genève
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The extract from the archives confirms the originality of this, one of the earliest, Patek Philippe pocket watches with a complication from the early years of the company when it was still signed Patek & Czapek. There are only about 20 of these duplex watches known, one of which was sold for approximately CHF 150.000.