This is a large, impressive, good quality repeating French pocket watch, with an interesting cylinder movement and silver dial, by this good Paris maker.

MOVEMENT : Nice quality, gilded cylinder movement, incorporating a parachute feature to the balance wheel. The hour/quarter repeating function which is activated by pushing down the stem. The repeater strikes two gongs, with one chime for the hours and two for the quarters. The movement is in good original condition and both watch and repeating functions are working well. There is slide on the band of the case to disable the repeat though this isn’t working.

DIAL : The signed silver engine turned dial is about 50 mm in diameter. There are a few light scratches but no dents or other damage. Nice Breguet type blued steel hands. The mineral crystal is fine.

CASE : The rose gold case weighs 112 gms (including the movement). There are some worn maker’s marks on the inside of the back and a case number 15369. The gilt cuvette is fully signed and engraved with the watch serial number 7822.

All hinges and catches are fine and both covers (and bezel) snap closed nicely.

The case is in good condition with no repairs but some scratches on the bezel at 10 and a dent on the bezel, near the hinge at 7.

The parachute escapement was invented by Breguet in 1790 as a form of shock protection.

Le Roy was founded by Basile Charles Le Roy, around 1785. He moved to Galerie Montpensier, 13 & 15 Palais Royal, Paris, after the Revolution. He died in 1828 when his son continued the business.