Swiss pocket watch with Pouzait escapement and balance Circa.1790

One of the first pocket watches made for the Chinese market
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An important pocket watch with gold and glazed on both sides case, Pouzait escapement, gold Pouzait balance and Seconde Morte, made as one of the first watches for the Chinese market by Robert & Courvoisier in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, circa 1790. Crafted from 18 Carat gold, the case is glazed on both sides and bears the hallmark of the master’s mark BL.
The original enamel dial is in impeccable condition and has very rare gold hands. The timepiece’s glass has been replaced with plastic. The watch features an early Pouzait lever movement, which is an extremely rare version with a golden balance wheel and diamond endstone. The rare complication of a Seconde Morte is also present as is a lever on the case edge that stops the jumping seconds.
The identical factory and dial signature of Robert & Courvoisier further adds to its uniqueness.
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Diameter: 56.5 mm
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Weight: 124 g
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Signed: Robert & Courvoisier
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Pouzait’s attempt at an anchor escapement combined with a large seconds balance was very popular on the Chinese market thanks to its spectacular appearance, despite its sensitivity to inertia, before Jacot invented the so called “Chinese Duplex” escapement. The watch presented here is one of the earliest pocket watches made for the Chinese market.
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Pouzait escapement watches are primarily made of silver and rarely feature additional complications. However, this pocket watch breaks the mould with its exceptional craftsmanship and intricate design. It is a true testament to the skill and creativity of Robert & Courvoisier.