An early French verge with a particularly nice dial and unusual movement layout.

MOVEMENT : Fine gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge, ruby coloured endstone and silver regulator disk. Signed (Fr. De Roche & Pre. Eynouf) and numbered (9706). The attractive layout of the regulator plate and balance bridge is unusual.

All in very good original condition and running well.

DIAL : Very nice white enamel with unusual ornamentation at the centre. In excellent condition with no repairs and just one very light hairline from the edge at 6.

INNER CASE : Gilt brass. Stamped with the movement number and the maker ‘ELS’. In good condition with just one bruise. There is wear to the gilding where it is worn through to the brass on much of the outside. The hinge is fine and the bezel does close. Good high dome crystal.

OUTER CASE : Gilt brass repousse case. There is some wear to the gilding, and a few tiny pin prick holes to the repousse surface. The hinge, catch and catch button are fine and the case snaps shut nicely.

Francois De Roche is listed in France around 1750.