Enamel Portrait Balance Cock

An early Swiss verge, with a fine enamel portrait of a young man on the balance cock.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with wonderful enamel portrait covering the large engraved winged balance cock. Signed “Gedeon Rigaud”. Four fine tulip pillars.

The enamel portrait is original (the balance bridge is solid brass, rather than pierced), and in fine condition with no repairs, and only some tiny chips around the edge. The movement is in generally good condition, with just a little damage to the pierced gilt gate of the stop work (left hand side missing). The movement is running well.

DIAL : Silver champleve dial, in very good condition. Signed “Rigaud, A Geneva” below a winged cherub’s mask on the central disc. Gilt beetle and poker hands (mismatched).

CASE : Very deep silver case, with maker’s mark PH. Large brass sliding shutter to the back.

The case is in reasonable condition. Some wear to the stem and hinge, and small bruises to the sides. The bezel closes but doesn’t snap shut. The bow is a replacement, probably late 18thc.
The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine

There is a Gedeon Rigaud recorded in London, circa 1700. This watch has all of the features of a London watch of that period so this could be from the same maker who possibly moved between Geneva and London.