Swiss watch with painted polychrome enamel portrait Circa 1850-55

Gold enamel pocket watch by Firm of Perret & Cie.
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An important and very fine Geneva watch with an inlaid painted enamel portrait showing the Russian czar Nicholas I, probably circa 1850-1855.
This watch features a jewelled movement made from gilded brass, complete with a temperature-compensated balance and Swiss lever escapement. The white enamel dial boasts Roman numerals for the hours, an outer minute track, and Breguet-style hands. The engraved gold case showcases a beautifully painted portrait of the Russian czar Nicholas I on the front cover, while the back cover features a landscape painting with a bouquet. The dome, signed by Perret & Cie. of Geneva, comes with a unique serial number, 22559. The front cover bears an inscription with the name J.C. Thomley and the year Russia – 1930.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Signed: Perret & Cie. a Genève
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Perret & Cie was based in Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds and was already known as a company around 1900. On December 29th, 1952, this company registered the trademark ‘La Palme’ in Neuchâtel; on April 13th, 1954, ‘La Palme’ in Les Brenets; on April 11th, 1959, ‘Strand’ in La Chaux-de-Fonds, on February 9th, 1963, ‘Thasman’ in La Chaux- de-Fonds, around 1966 ‘Orwi’ in La Chaux-de-Fonds and Neuchâtel the ‘La Palme’ brand. It may also include Perret & Cie SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, registered on March 6th, 1959, with the Unicorn Lever mark and the Unicorn Watch mark registered on March 8th, 1963.