Swiss gilt metal and enamel decorated watch Circa 1790

Gilt open faced key winding verge watch
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A fine Swiss gilt metal open faced pocket watch with an exquisite polychrome enamel miniature painting on the reverse cover, made by Forrel in Geneva, circa 1790. It has a mechanical key winding fire gilded brass movement with a verge escapement and fusee, an intricately pierced and chased balance bridge decorated with scrollwork, and a silver regulation disc signed Forrel Genève. The enamel dial has a single winding aperture next to the 2 o’clock numeral, black Arabic hour markers, an outer minute track numbered 15 to 60, and elegant blued steel spade hands.
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The timepiece is housed in an exceptionally gilt metal open faced case. The bezel is set with a continuous row of clear rhinestones, and the central enamel scene depicts a lady in an oval cartouche framed by a matching rhinestone border over a rich royal blue translucent enamel ground decorated with foliage scrolls and classical motifs.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Signed: Forrel, Genève
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The signature Forrel Genève refers to a skilled watchmaker active in Geneva in the late 18th century. This timepiece captures the opulent decorative style that Swiss horologists perfected for the upper class. The single winding aperture near the 2 o’clock position is characteristic of keywound timepieces from this period, allowing the movement to be wound from the front with a dedicated key. The reverse showcases a masterfully executed polychrome enamel portrait, highlighted by vibrant translucent enamel over detailed gold scrollwork and shimmering paste rhinestone set borders.