Swiss flat Lépine with skeletonized striking mechanism Circa 1820

Lépine with aristocratic coat of arms
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A very fine large flat open face Lépine with an extremely rare, skeletonized striking mechanism and case with an aristocratic coat of arms, made by DuBois et Fils in le Locle, Switzerland, circa 1820. The case itself is adorned with a coat of arms, adding a touch of aristocracy to the overall aesthetic. Above the coat of arms, the Latin phrase “Aquila non captat muscas” is engraved, which translates to “An eagle catches no flies”. This phrase serves as a reminder of the watch’s purpose – to capture time with precision and accuracy. The original dial of the Lépine No.2620 features a white enamel numeral circlet with Arabic numerals for the hours and the centre of the dial is skeletonized, allowing a glimpse into the intricate inner workings of the watch. Completing the dial are blued Breguet steel hands, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. One of the most unique aspects of this timepiece is its unusual dust cover made of polished steel, it not only serves its practical purpose of protecting the delicate movement but also acts as a backdrop for the completely skeletonized movement. This level of skeletonization is extremely rare and showcases the exceptional skill and artistry of the watchmakers at DuBois et Fils. Every bridge has been reduced to a minimum, while still being decorated and gold plated, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The movement is powered by a cylinder escapement and features a quarter hour repeater. The combination of these two complications adds to the complexity and sophistication of the timepiece, making it a true horological masterpiece.
Both the dial and the dust cover bear the signature of DuBois et Fils, further attesting to the authenticity and provenance of this pocket watch.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Weight: 100 g
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Signed: DuBois et Fils
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Du Bois & Cie.
In 1785 Philippe Du Bois and his sons founded the Du Bois &Fils 1785 watch company at the family seat in Le Locle. Du Bois had already established extensive business connections all over Europe and America as a cloth merchant, which made things much easier for the start-up watch company. During the 19th century, Du Bois & Fils opened branches in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States and business boomed. Due to its proximity to the trade fairs, the German Frankfurt branch was particularly important.