Swiss gold and enamel repeating cylinder watch Circa 1816

Gold pearl set full hunter with enamel scene
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A very fine and rare hunting cased quarter repeating pocket watch accompanied by the original presentation box made by Vacheron Chossat & Cie in Geneva, circa 1816. The case of this watch, crafted from 18 carat gold, has a polychrome enamel alpine lake fishing scene on the back, pearl set bezels, a band decorated in a repeated pattern with blue, red and black champlevé enamel and a hinged gilded brass cuvette. The engine turned and engraved gold dial has Arabic hour numerals on circular white enamelled reserves, an outer minute track on a white enamel chapter ring and blued steel serpentine hands. The gilt brass movement features a skeletonized top plate, standing barrel, cylinder escapement, plain brass three arm balance and flat balance spring, the repeating on two square section gongs is activated by depressing the pendant.
Signed on the dial, cuvette and back plate.
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Diameter: 40 mm
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Signed: Vacheron Chossat & Cie
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Charles-François Chossat was not a traditional watchmaker, but a prominent Geneva steel merchant and investor who played a crucial role in the early history of the legendary luxury watch brand Vacheron Constantin.
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In 1816, when Jacques-Barthélémy Vacheron’s business partner Jean-François Girod retired, Charles-François Chossat stepped in with capital and business expertise. During this period, the company’s official name was changed to Vacheron Chossat & Cie.
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Chossat’s involvement was crucial during an economically challenging period for the Swiss watch industry, following Napoleon Bonaparte’s trade embargoes. During this brief collaboration, the brand expanded into markets such as France and Italy.
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He withdrew from the partnership in 1819 and was succeeded by François Constantin. This transition gave rise to the brand name one knows today: Vacheron Constantin.
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Because the Vacheron Chossat & Cie name was only used between 1816 and 1819, pocket watches bearing the signature “Vacheron Chossat & Cie à Genève” are exceedingly rare.