Swiss 18 carat gold and diamond set ladies’ ring watch Circa 1785

Gold ring watch with miniature movement
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A very fine and extremely rare Swiss 18 carat gold and diamond set ring watch made by Pierre Morand, circa 1785. The miniature movement (∅ 14 mm), one of the smallest known made in the 18th century, with a verge escapement. White enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals, an outer dot minute track, Arabic quarter hours and period hands. The case is set with diamonds. Movement signed Pierre Morand and under the dial Lucard. Accompanied by the original shagreen covered presentation box with silver hinges.
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Diameter: 16.6 mm
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Ring size: 53 mm
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Weight of the movement: 2.82 g.
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Signed: Pierre Morand
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Very little is known about Pierre Morand. He is often presented as a Geneva watchmaker who was active between 1770 and 1790. Not much is known about his Geneva location, but in 1783, his name was mentioned in Paris, France. Most likely, he made his creations in Geneva and sold them in Paris. A few pieces of his are exposed in the Patek Philippe museum, including a similar ring watch sold by Antiquorum in 1998, for CHF 168.500.

Made in 1785, the movement size of the present piece is an absolute masterpiece for the time, when creating movements of this refinement and quality was only possible by the very best watchmakers.