Gold French open-faced quarter repeating watch Circa 1817

Quarter repeating watch made for the Turkish market
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A pink gold French open-faced quarter repeating watch made for the Turkish market, circa 1817, gilt movement, ruby cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance, parachute suspension on the upper pivot, bimetallic temperature compensation curb, sliding-turning piston to activate the repeating mechanism, signed and numbered gilt cuvette.
White enamel dial, Turkish numerals, blued steel moon hands.
18k Pink gold engine turned case with reeded bezel and border, dial and cuvette signed.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Signed: Breguet et fils

With a certificate confirming that this watch was sold through Leroy, Constantinople in 1817, a fitted presentation case and with elaborate ratchet key.

In the early 19th century, Breguet delivered watches to clients in the Ottoman Empire. His success rapidly spread among the dignitaries and to the highest nobility, even receiving a commission from the Ottoman Sultan Slim III. This all became possible through Breguet’s friend the Ottoman ambassador Esseid Ali Effendi, to whom he was introduced by Prince Talleyrand, who later became the Minister of the Navy. The present example was sold through Breguet’s agent Leroy and was almost certainly intended for a prominent figure of the time. The case is typical of watches made for the Turkish market.