Swiss 18K gold open faced repeating pocket watch Circa 1855

Gold quarter repeating pocket watch
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A fine Swiss 18 carat yellow gold open faced quarter repeating pocket watch, made by Jean-François Bautte & Cie in Geneva, circa 1855. This watch features a hand wound mechanical movement with a cylinder escapement and a repeating function. The guilloché gold dial displays painted Roman numerals for the hours and elegant Breguet style hands. The engine turned case is made of 18 carat yellow gold. The movement, dial, and case are signed and numbered. Accompanied by an original winding key and an 18 carat yellow gold chain.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Weight: 75 g
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Signed: Jean-François Bautte & Cie, Genève
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Jean-François Bautte (1772–1837) was born into a modest working class family in Geneva and orphaned at a very young age. Beginning his career at the age of 12 as an apprentice in watchmaking, goldsmithing, and engraving, he signed his first watches under his own name in 1791. He went on to establish the most complete watch manufacture of his era, employing up to 300 specialised artisans. A pioneer of the extra thin watch, he had a clientele that included European royalty, most notably the young Queen Victoria. The company Jean-François Bautte & Cie was formed on 20 December 1837, shortly after his death, by his son, Jacques Bautte, and his son-in-law, Jean-Samuel Rossel. In 1906, the Bautte company was acquired by Girard-Perregaux, which today considers 1791 as its official founding year. Works by Bautte are displayed in prestigious institutions, including the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.