Swiss heavy gold pocket watch with chronograph Circa 1850

Hunting cased pocket watch by J. E. Dufour
–
A heavy Swiss hunting cased pocket watch with chronograph, circa 1850. This pocket watch comes with its original box and was previously associated with the prestigious Bulletin de 1re Classe de l’Observatoire de Genève. The case is made of 18 carat rose gold and features a monogrammed à goutte design, with an engraved gold dome bearing the inscription: Chronographe Rigli avec bulletin de 1re Classe de l’Observatoire de Genève, J. E. Dufour & Co. fabts GENÈVE. The case maker’s punch mark DB can also be found. The watch has a glazed movement and a pusher for the chronograph function positioned at 12. The enamel dial showcases radial Roman numerals, with auxiliary seconds at 6. It also includes a centre chronograph hand and elegant gold spade hands. The watch has a bridge movement with fausses côtes decoration, rhodium-plated and finely ground. The chronograph steel parts are bevelled, and it features a ratchet wheel, a gold screw compensation balance, and a counterpoised lever.
–
Diameter: 56 mm
–
Weight: 171 g
–
Signed: J. E. Dufour à Genève