Swiss 18K gold pocket watch with key and long chain Circa 1875

Gold open faced pocket watch with cylinder escapement
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A Swiss 18 carat gold open faced cylinder pocket watch, made by Moulinié and Legrandroy, circa the second half of the 19th century. The watch features a key winding mechanical movement with a cylinder escapement. Its white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and Fuseaux hands. The inner case and caseback are 18 carat gold, signed Legrandroy et Fils, successors of Moulinié. The caseback is finely chased with crinkled decoration and centred by a small monogrammed cartouche. Included are a watch key with a lobster clasp and an 18 carat gold long chain. The watch was made in France, while the chain and key are from Switzerland.
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Diameter: 40 mm
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Length overall: 98 mm
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Total weight: 53 g
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Signed: Legrandroy et Fils successeurs Moulinié
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Moulinié and Legrandroy

The name Moulinié comes from the company Moulinié & Bautte, which began by making pocket watch cases for Jean-Francois Bautte in Geneva in the late 18th century. By 1804, the company, then called Moulinier, Bautte, and Cie, had started making watches. It was known for high-quality timepieces from 1808 to 1821. In 1826, the partners split: Bautte started Bautte & Moynier, and Moulinié formed Moulinié Aine & Cie, which became Moulinié Frères & Cie after 1840. The company showed its products as Moulinie & Legrandroy at the 1862 London World Exhibition, where it won a medal. Over time, the company’s name changed several times, eventually becoming J.W. Legrandroy & Fils and later Le Grand Roy & Fils about twenty years after.