Swiss chronometer with pivoted detent escapement Circa 1870

Gold heavy pocket chronometer by Henri Perregaux
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A Swiss heavy pocket chronometer with pivoted detent escapement, circa 1870. 18 Carat gold, tiered, polished case with engine-turned band, elaborately engine-turned inner lid, and florally engraved, numbered and signed gold dome. Signed enamel dial with radial Roman hours, auxiliary seconds and Fleur de Lys hands. Bridge movement, frosted, gilt, signed, and keywind, with a large gold screw compensation balance and index spring fine adjusting device.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Weight: 183 g
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Signed: Henri Perregaux, Locle
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Henri Perregaux (1828-1893)
Henri Perregaux took over the family business when he was still quite young because his father died very early. However, the watchmaking company began to flounder, and in 1860, Perregaux had to close it down and start working for Constant Girard-Perregaux, his brother-in-law. When Girard-Perregaux decided to open a branch in the New World, he made Henri Perregaux head of this new sales office.
Perregaux and his wife travelled to Buenos Aires in October 1865, and he began setting up as a representative for Girard-Perregaux in some North and South American States. Around 1872, Perregaux extended his business area to the West Indies.
Henri Perregaux worked tirelessly for 16 years, promoting the brand of Girard-Perregaux and turning it into one of the major players in all the American markets. He retired from the business and returned to Switzerland in 1881.