Swiss gold steel and garnet set verge pocket watch Circa 1815-1830

Multi colour gold decorated verge watch by Henri Maillardet
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A very fine Swiss multi coloured gold, garnet set verge pocket watch, circa 1815-1830.
The watch features a full plate movement, silver regulation, a balance cock that is pierced and engraved and a verge escapement. The gold engine turned dial is a work of art in itself. ‘Engine turned‘ is a technique that involves engraving a pattern of straight or wavy lines onto a metal surface using a lathe. The result is a mesmerizing pattern that catches the light and adds depth to the dial. The Roman numerals and minute divisions on the outer edge make it easy to read the time, while Breguet’s hands, made of steel, add a touch of sophistication. The case features a relief design with tendrils and flowers in various gold colours, giving it a three dimensional effect. The garnets add a pop of colour and contrast nicely with the gold. The fact that Maillardet signs the watch on the movement is a testament to the quality of the craftsmanship.
Overall, this watch is a true work of art that combines beauty and functionality equally. It is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the past watchmakers and a reminder of the rich history of horology.
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Diameter: 46 mm
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Signed: Maillardet
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The text garnets refers to a group of minerals commonly used as gemstones. Garnets are typically found in various colours, including red, green, yellow and orange and are known for their hardness and durability. They are often used in jewellery and industrial applications such as abrasives and water filtration systems.
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Henri Maillardet, Swiss watchmaker
(Jean) Henri (Nicolas) Maillardet was born in Meyriez in 1745.
He worked in Fontaines (Canton of Neuchâtel ) and London ( 1784 to ca. 1815 ). Around 1768 he worked with his brother Jean-David in Berlin with Abraham Louis Huguenin. Jaquet-Droz collaborators — Jean-Frédéric Leschot, Henri Maillardet and Jacob Frisard —began building three androids in 1770. In 1774, the Jaquet-Droz company in La Chaux-de-Fond presented these three androids to the public: the writer, the draftsman and the musician. They are still functional today Neuchâtel can be visited in the Musée d’art et d’histoire de Neuchâtel . Jaquet-Droz, active in London from 1775, met various watch dealers there, including the famous James Cox, who was assisted in his business by his son in Canton, China. Henri-Louis opened a manufacturing workshop and took over its management. Most of the production was destined for the Chinese market. In 1783 Jaquet-Droz left London to meet his business partner and successor, Jean-Frédéric Leschot, in Genevasettle Down. Henri Maillardet took over the management of the London studio in Bartlett’s Building.
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Henri Maillardet also made watches with automatons and moving figures; the best known is “the draftsman writer” today owned by “The Franklin Institute science museum in Philadelphia”. When first demonstrated at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in 1928, the machine was of unknown origin. Once operational, the automaton revealed its secret: “Ecrit par L’Automate de Maillardet.” (written by Maillardet’s automaton).