Mid 18thc Paris gold & enamel repeater

A mid 18thc., gold cased Paris verge, with a dumb quarter repeat.

MOVEMENT : Gilded movement with verge escapement, the balance bridge finely engraved and pierced with scrolls. Large silver regulator disk and four round baluster pillars.

The repeat mechanism strikes two blocks on the inside of the case, with two polished steel hammers. The strike can be silenced, producing only a vibration, if the ‘pulse piece’ on the outside of the case at 8 is pressed while the hammers are striking.

Signed (Romilly A PARIS).

The movement is in excellent condition, is running well and repeating correctly.

DIAL : Signed white enamel dial.

In excellent condition, with no damage.

Gilt Breguet style hands.

CASE : Multi coloured gold, with crystal (diamond ?) set bezel and stem, and enamel plaque, with pearls inset, to the back.

Good condition throughout, though the portrait plaque has a couple of light cracks across the centre. The hinge is fine and the bezel shuts nicely.

The high dome crystal is fine, but is a non mineral replacement.

Jean Romilly was born in Geneva in 1714 and worked in Paris between 1752 and his death in 1792. A great watchmaker, inventor and innovator.