Swiss gold and pearl quarter repeating pocket watch Circa 1810

Gold cylinder pocket watch
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An excellent 18 carat gold and pearl set quarter repeating pocket watch, circa 1810.
The case is set overall with graduated pearls. Gold engine turned dial with radial Roman numerals and outer minute markers, later blued steel hands. Frosted gilt movement with crescent shaped top plate, cylinder escapement, the balance wheel mounted between the front plate and dial, repeating on two bells set into the movement over the going barrel, the repeating activated by depressing the pendant. Movement signed.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Signed: Moricand  Geneva
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Christ. Moricand worked in Geneva in the rue des Corps Saints, circa 1810 then in partnership with his son from 1815. Lorgnettes are a form of eyeglasses that are not attached to the face. They are, instead, held up to the eyes by a handle and are suitable for infrequent use. Lorgnettes became fashionable around 1850. They were popular accessories for balls, the theatre, and the opera, and watchmakers quickly found the means of fitting watch movements to them in ingenious and stylish ways.