Swiss unusual gold quarter repeating pocket watch Circa 1850

Gold open faced pocket watch by Du Bois & Fils
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An unusual, Swiss quarter repeating pocket chronometer with spring detent escapement, circa 1850
An 18-carat gold case, reeded band and the back engine-turned. A signed, white enamel dial with Breguet numerals, outer minute track, and Breguet hands. And a bridge movement, chain/fusee, two hammers/two gongs, and gold screw compensation balance. This remarkable movement, where mainspring and escapement staff have been made in one piece, was fitted into a new solid gold case with marvellous engine-turned ornamentation a worthy setting for such a fine and complex construction.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 125 g
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Signed: DuBois et Fils
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Du Bois & Fils
 In 1785 Philippe Du Bois and his sons founded the “Du Bois & Fils 1785” watch company at the family seat in Le Locle. Du Bois had already established extensive business connections all over Europe and America as a cloth merchant, which made things much easier for the start-up watch company. During the 19th century, Du Bois & Fils opened branches in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States and business boomed. Due to its proximity to the trade fairs, the German Frankfurt branch was particularly important.