Pocket watch: significant gold and enamel pocket watch with ‘a toc

Ca. Ø39mm, ca. 61g, 18-carat gold, multicoloured enamel, exquisitely set on both sides with rubies and diamonds, bell, signed and numbered verge movement No. 3512, original, signed enamel dial, also set with rubies and diamonds, original hands, again set with rubies and diamonds, excellent original condition, a museum-quality collector’s watch from one of the most significant French manufacturers of the 18th century. Comparable watches are held in the collections of the Louvre and the Hermitage. Pierre Le Roy (born 1717 in Paris; died 1785 in Vitry-sur-Seine) was one of the most important[1] French watchmakers and inventors. Together with Ferdinand Berthoud, Le Roy was a pioneer in the development of chronometer escapements. He devised a system of temperature compensation using a bimetallic balance wheel with adjustable mass screws and an isochronous balance spring. His developments laid the foundations for today’s mechanical chronometers. Le Roy was born in Paris, the son of Julien Le Roy (1686–1759), who was the court watchmaker to Louis XV. Following his father’s death, Pierre Le Roy took over this role. Jewelled timepieces such as this verge watch, crafted from gold, enamelled and set with precious gemstones, were mostly unique commissioned pieces for wealthy clients such as noble and royal families around the world.

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