Swiss scallop-form watch for the Turkish market Circa 1830

Gold and enamel cylinder watch by Blondel & Melly
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A fine Swiss gold and enamel scallop-form cylinder watch made for the Turkish market, circa 1830. The watch features a gilded movement with a cylinder escapement and a plain, flat three-arm balance. The dial is white enamel with Turkish numerals, an outer minute ring, and moon hands, and is signed in Arabic, Blondel & Melly, Geneva. The gold case is scallop-form, with the back composed of alternating panels of pearls and polychrome enamel-painted flowers against a pale, opaque pink enamel ground. The inner back bezel is decorated alternately with opaque pink and turquoise enamel panels, heightened with enamel flowers. The pendant is adorned with turquoise enamel and white champlevé enamel flowers, with a pusher through the pendant to release the back. The polished gold cuvette is engraved with movement details and signed and numbered Blondel & Melly à Genève, with the back and cuvette numbered 14070, and the inside back stamped FM in an oval cartouche.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Signed: Blondel & Melly, à Genève
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The movement runs for short periods and would likely benefit from a cleaning and service. There are a few small scratches on the bridges, but overall, it is in good aesthetic condition. The dial has a faint scratch running from the dial edge between 12 and 1 o’clock towards the signature, which appears to be a scratch rather than a hairline, but it’s difficult to be certain. There are some small scratches beneath 3 o’clock and a couple of light scratches above. The front bezel of the case has a chip to the edge of panels below 7 o’clock and at 9 o’clock, while the panels on the front and back appear to be in good overall condition with some small scratches. The bow has a turquoise band with some chips.
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Blondel & Melly were active between approximately 1820 and 1850 and had locations in Geneva at Quai des Bergues 15 and later at Rue Kléberg. The company focused on creating ornate watches for the Turkish market, which included cases adorned with enamels, pearls, and diamonds.