MOVEMENT : Signed Lepine, A PARIS, hr. du Roy (Clockmaker to the King) and numbered (102). Gilded verge movement. The movement is in very good original condition, and is running well.

DIAL : 30 mm, white enamel. In perfect condition with no restoration. Nice fancy gold hands.

INNER CASE : 35.75 mm. Gold, with maker’s mark IIL? Enamel decoration on the bezel and back. The gold is in very good condition, with no damage. The enamel is also good with just a few small pieces missing on the back . No restoration. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The very high dome crystal has one tiny chip on the bezel and light scratches but is good.

OUTER CASE : 42 mm. Gilt on brass, with glass back. Excellent condition. The hinge, catch and catch button are all fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely.

CHATELAINE : 145 mm. Gilt brass. Excellent condition with no wear to the gilding. Includes a fine 18th century ratchet watch key which fits this small watch so may well be original.

Although the main body of the chatelaine is gilt, the 3 clips, short chains and the ratchet key all test as solid gold.

Jean-Antoine Lépine was appointed Horloger du Roi (Clockmaker to the King) Louis XV in 1765.