Swiss gold enamel watch made for the Turkish market Circa 1850

Gold and enamel lever pocket watch 
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An exquisite and rare Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel hunting cased keywinding pocket watch with a portrait of Sultan Abdülmecid I, made for the Turkish market by Auguste Courvoisier, circa mid 19th century. This watch features a mechanical movement with keywinding, a lever escapement, a spiral balance wheel, and a bridge mounted adjuster that allows for both advance and retard. It has a white enamel dial with dual indicators for hours and minutes on subsidiary dials, one in Arabic and one in Turkish, and a large off centred seconds display at 6 o’clock, all decorated with colourful flowers and foliage. The gold case has a front with fully polychrome painted enamel depicting Sultan Abdülmecid I, and a back featuring a military trophy. The cuvette is signed and numbered and bears an inscription: Echappement Libre à Ancre Leveés Dégagement Contrepinots et Dix Trous en Rubis Compensateur.
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Diameter: 48.5 mm
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Weight: 65.5 g
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Signed: Auguste Courvoisier
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This watch is part of a series signed by Auguste Courvoisier and made especially for the Ottoman market. Rare examples feature on the back a portrait of Sultan Abdülmecid I, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1839 to 1861. He is considered a reformer who led his people along the path of modernisation. He worked to integrate all citizens into Ottoman society better. He also fought a growing nationalist fever that swept through the Empire’s territories and forged ties with the UK and France, fighting alongside these countries in the Crimean War.
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Signs of wear from use are evident across the Dial, including a visible hairline. There are visible restorations on the enamel. The movement is ticking slightly.