Swiss gold and platinum crucifix form pendant watch Circa 1910

Gold pendant watch
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An extremely fine and very elegant Swiss heavy 18 carat gold, platinum, enamel and diamond set Belle Époque keyless crucifix pendant watch, circa 1910. A cruciform case on both sides decorated with translucent red champlevé enamel over engraved lines, translucent green enamelled borders, an applied platinum and rose cut diamond set crown of thorns on the front and the four points of the cross each set with three diamonds in platinum mountings. The pendant, enamelled to match the case, is also
the winding crown. Matte silver dial with painted Arabic hour numerals, outer dot minute divisions with five minute markers and blued steel Breguet hands. A matte gilt brass cruciform Lépine caliber movement with 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance and blued steel Breguet balance spring with an index regulator. Dial and case signed.
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Dimensions: 62 x 48 mm
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Signed: Lépine Swiss
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This finely made crucifix is cleverly enamelled in translucent red of the same shade, but was skillfully applied in different compartments and at different depths to create lighter and darker shades within segments. Although the champlevé technique has been used here, the finished effect is similar to cloisonné. The diamonds are set in platinum, typical of the early 20th century when the use of platinum was first adopted by famous jewellery houses such as Cartier. This watch is wound by turning the pendant, ensuring the object’s appearance is not compromised by a visible winding crown. The movement itself is also a cross form and therefore specially constructed for a crucifix watch.