Swiss lady’s repeating lever with engraved portrait Circa 1885

Gold, diamond, ruby, and emerald set hunting cased watch
–
A Swiss lady’s 18 carat gold, diamond, ruby, and emerald set hunting cased minute repeating keyless lever watch with engraved portrait, and matching chatelaine, made for the Spanish crown, retailed by E. Mansberger, Madrid, circa 1885. This watch features a nickel lever movement with jewels extending to the centre, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a repeating mechanism on coiled gongs, signed by E. Mansberger, Madrid. It has a grey enamel dial with white Roman numerals and a minute ring, with a centre decorated with birds and flowers and fleur-de-lys hands.
–
The gold case showcases an applied crown motif adorned with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, centred with translucent red flinqué enamel. The back includes a diamond, emerald, and ruby set monogram MC, and the bow is similarly embellished. The winder is designed in the shape of a crown, with a repeating slide on the band. The cuvette features an engraved portrait of King Alfonso XII, and the case is numbered. The watch is suspended from a diamond and gem set chatelaine topped with a crown, with the upper panel displaying a diamond set fleur-de-lys.
–
Diameter: 33 mm
–
Signed: E. Mansberger, Madrid
–
This watch appears to have been crafted for Maria Christina of Austria (1858–1929), who became the Queen of Spain as the second wife of King Alfonso XII (1874–1885). The front of the case features the monogram MC, and the cuvette is engraved with a portrait of Alfonso XII, who passed away at the age of 27 on November 25, 1885. Their son and successor, Alfonso XIII, was born on May 17, 1886. During his minority, Maria Christina served as regent.
–
The case has minimal surface scratches and minor tarnish, with a small lead solder spot on the bow. The diamonds vary in colour and clarity, with one small rose cut diamond missing from the crown. The emeralds and rubies have minor surface reaching inclusions and slightly worn facet edges but are overall in good condition. The watch ticks and repeats when wound.