Swiss gold and emerald granulation decorated pocket watch Circa 1830

Two-colour gold quarter repeater
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A very fine and rare Swiss 18 Carat two-colour gold, emerald set quarter repeating granulation decorated pocket watch, circa 1830. An entirely decorated case with graduated granulation forming scrolls within twelve segments, set with graduated emeralds, bezel en suite with emeralds and applied granulations. Hinged gold cuvette. Gold dial with polished radial Roman numerals on a matte chapter ring, outer polished minute track, engine-turned centre, outer border with applied varicoloured gold foliage and gilt spade hands. A frosted gilt movement, standing barrel, cylinder escapement with three-arm gold balance, flat balance spring, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a pull-and-twist piston in the pendant.
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Diameter: 43 mm
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Signed: Frères & Cie  Genève
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The present watch is a particularly fine example of the granulation technique of decoration and has been preserved in good condition. Granulation, a technique using tiny beads of gold, was employed – and probably invented – by the ancient Etruscans, who created jewellery highly sought-after throughout the Mediterranean. Most watches using this method employed a technique in which ready-to-apply gold beads were soldered onto the surface, forming the desired pattern.