Large Swiss verge clockwatch

This is a very unusual late 18th century clockwatch, automatically striking the hours and the half hours on a gong, but also providing a repeat strike of the hours.

MOVEMENT : An unsigned gilded fusee verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge. Both watch and strike springs are wound from the back.

The steel hammer automatically strikes the very long blued steel gong on the hour, once for each hour. On the half hour, the hammer is triggered for a single strike.

A lever on the edge of the dial at 2 disables (up) or enables (down) the strike. The button on the stem causes a repeat of the last hourly strike.

In good condition, running and striking correctly. But although the regulator disk and square are present, the regulator rack under the balance bridge is missing. However the movement still keeps very good time.

DIAL : A signed white enamel dial, in good condition but a little damage on the edge at 4 and 10 (hidden by the bezel).

Signed “Bourquin le Jeune”.

Matching blued steel Breguet type hands.

CASE : A very unusual and substantial gilt case, glazed to the back, and with snap on front and back bezels. So the glazed back must be removed to wind and the front bezel removed to set the hands.

The band to the side of the case is also glazed, showing the gong and the steel hammer.

All in good condition. Both crystals are fine.

A verge calendar watch, signed Bourquin le Jeune, is listed in the British Museum inventory. This is dated as between 1775 and 1785. The maker’s full name is given as Bourquin, David Louis le Jeune, and the place made as Switzerland.