French Gold Quarter Repeating Lever, c. 1820

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Immerse yourself in the elegance and precision of early 19th-century horology with the French Gold Quarter Repeating Lever, a masterpiece from circa 1820. This distinguished timepiece showcases the finest craftsmanship of its era, featuring a resplendent gold engine turned open face case that houses a keywind gilt bar movement. The intricate movement is highlighted by a suspended going barrel, a plain cock adorned with a garnet endstone set in polished steel, and a polished steel regulator. The watch’s precision is further enhanced by a plain three-arm gold balance and a blue steel spiral hairspring. One of its most remarkable features is the rare ratchet tooth escapement with a right-angle lever, a testament to the meticulous engineering of the period. The quarter repeating function, activated by a push pendant, produces a melodious chime on two square section polished steel gongs, adding a layer of auditory delight to its visual splendor. The white enamel dial, adorned with Arabic numerals and blue steel Breguet hands, exudes sophistication, while the slim, stylish 18-carat gold case completes the luxurious design. This exceptional watch, signed by Baily of Rue de Richelieu in Paris, remains in excellent condition, a rarity for timepieces of this age, particularly given its advanced lever escapement mechanism over the more common cylinder escapement of the time. With a diameter of 50 mm, this exquisite watch is not just a timekeeper but a piece of history, reflecting the pinnacle of French watchmaking artistry. This exquisite timepiece is an early 19th Century French quarter repeating lever watch. It features a stunning gold engine turned open face case with a keywind gilt bar movement. The movement boasts a suspended going barrel with a plain cock and a garnet endstone in a polished steel setting. A polished steel regulator and a plain three arm gold balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring add to the precision and elegance of this watch. This watch also has a rare ratchet tooth escapement with a right angle lever, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the time. The quarter repeating function is activated by a push pendant, which chimes on two square section polished steel gongs. The white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and blue steel Breguet hands adds a touch of refinement to the overall design. The slim and stylish engine turned 18 carat gold case completes the look of this exceptional timepiece, which can be wound and set through the signed gilt metal cuvette. This French watch is in excellent condition, especially considering its age, as most watches from this period typically feature a cylinder escapement rather than a lever escapement. Signed Baily – Rue de Richelieu a Paris Circa 1820 Diameter 50 mm