Swiss 18 Carat gold watch with high quality stone setting Circa 1890

Miniature watch with cylinder escapement
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A miniature watch with high quality stone setting, made in collaboration with leCoultre by the Lattes Frères in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1890. The numbered open faced case of this watch, which was crafted from 18 carat gold and silver, has a back lid and bow set with stones, diamonds and rubies. The white enamel dial has an outer ring with gold minute dots, black Roman hour numerals and gold hands. The leCoultre movement has a fine cylinder escapement.
The watch comes in the original box, which is signed.
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Diameter: 23 mm
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Weight: 12 g
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Signed: L. Lattes
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Lattes
The Lattes Frères were well known watchmakers from Geneva with another branch in Cairo. They also made watches for the Oriental market. Miniature watches with a diameter of less than 25 mm are very rarely found with splendour cases set with real gemstones and diamonds. A comparable watch, probably from the same case maker, was sold for CHF 4.600  in Geneva in 2003
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Splendour
The ‘splendour’ aspect is most likely a reference to the decoration and materials used, rather than the basic case design. Factors contributing to a “splendour case” could include: precious metals such as gold, platinum, or silver, gemstones such as: diamonds, pearls, or other jewels, enamelwork such as intricate painted designs on the case,  engraving such as detailed patterns or scenes etched into the metal, or specialized decoration such as unique techniques like guilloché (engine turned) or granulation.

When encountering the term “splendour case”, it’s best to consider it as a subjective description emphasizing the visual richness and craftsmanship of the watch case, rather than a formal classification.