JAQUET DROZ EARLY "PERPETUELLE" SELF WINDING WATCH FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
Jaquet Droz, London, 'Perpétuelle', case No. 12518. Made in Switzerland and retailed via London
for the Chinese market, circa 1785.
Very fine and exceptionally rare, gold, enamel, pearl and ruby-set, self-winding "perpétuelle"
pocket watch with center seconds.
Two-body, "bassine", the bezel hinged through the pendant released by a concealed push-
piece in the band at 6 o'clock, the bezels and band entirely set with split pearls and rubies,
the back set with a translucent crimson guilloche enamel panel. Gilt dust cap engraved with
foliage.
White enamel, radial Roman numerals and outer minute divisions, Arabic 15-minute
numerals. Gold pierced hands.
39 mm. frosted gilt, full plate, oval polished gold oscillating WEIGHT pivoted at the circumference
and oscillating between two steel spring bumpers, going barrel, transmission to
the mainspring barrel via three wheels, cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance with
flat balance spring, single-footed pierced and engraved balance cock with polished steel
endplate, rack and pinion regulation.
Movement signed on the oscillating weight, case numbered on the pendant.