Swiss quarter repeating open faced musical pocket watch Circa 1820

Pink gold repeating watch by Héliodore Humbert Droz
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A Swiss pink gold quarter repeating open faced musical pocket watch, circa 1820. The watch features a frosted, gilded movement with a cylinder escapement, a plain three arm balance, and two barrels for the timekeeping and musical mechanisms. It includes a pinned disc on the musical movement with 27 tuned tines and polished hammers that repeat on coiled gongs. The eccentric engine turned silver dial displays Roman numerals and an outer minute ring. It is signed on a banner above with the name Etienne Joseph Pequignot. The surrounding area features a chased and engraved scene depicting a lady offering refreshments to a gentleman hunter.
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The case is made of pink gold and has a polished back, a milled band, and a slide for the music feature. The gilt cuvette is signed Héliodore Humbert Droz and is engraved with musical instruments. A slide on the edge of the cuvette is marked M/S for Musique/Silence. The inside back of the case is numbered 2450 and 365, along with the case maker’s mark AH incuse.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Signed: Etienne Joseph Pequignot / Héliodore Humbert Droz
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The movement is currently functional but requires an overhaul. The repeating mechanism and music both work and sound good. However, the slide for locking the plunge repeat is not functioning correctly, as the plunge repeat remains in the active position. The time dial shows some tarnish, but the scene is clear and in good condition. The case has been polished, yet the milling details remain well defined.
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Héliodore Humbert was born on July 24, 1768, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, as the son of Théodore Louis Humbert (also known as Chez le Graveur) and Judith Ducommun. He was Aimé-Louis Humbert’s brother, who was Aimé Humbert-Droz’s father. Héliodore married Françoise Berguer (1772-1815) and had 12 children together. Unfortunately, several of the children either died at birth or shortly after that. Amédor Humbert was the most well known of their children; he trained as a watchmaker before eventually becoming a politician.
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Héliodore Humbert passed away on June 1, 1826, in Renan at age 57.