Swiss quarter repeating octagonal shaped ring watch Circa 1780

Extraordinary ruby trim and diamond set ring watch by Achard & Fils
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A Swiss, important museum quality ring watch with repeater on bell, ruby trim, and balance wheelset with diamonds, circa 1780.
18 Carat red gold/yellow gold rectangular shaped case, splendidly worked in two colours, upper part set with rubies. Signed enamel dial with Breguet style radial hours, outer minutes track, and steel pear hands; view of the balance wheelset with diamonds, on the underside a slide that connects the two openings for the winding mechanism and pointer position covers. Cylinder escapement, repetition of hours and quarter hours on bell.
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Dimensions: 20 x 33 mm
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Weight: 25 g
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Signed: George Achard & Fils
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Ring watches with a repeater are extremely rare and in great demand. Only a few examples are known, including another ring watch by George Achard.
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Achard & Fils, Swiss watch manufacturer
Achard & Fils were watch manufacturers based in Geneva. The company was founded in 1797 by Georges Achard as George Achard & Cie. It was a collaboration with his son-in-law Antoine Luya. He was married to Pernette Philipine Achard. He later changed its name to Achard & Fils, Or G. Achard & Fils, when his son Antoine Marie Achard became a partner in the company. It existed into the 19th century. Achard & Fils were particularly famous for their enamel clocks.