Pocket Watch with 18K Gold strike. Switzerland, 1820-1866.

Precious Pocket Watch with 18K Gold strike, Made in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, between 1820 and 1866. Montandon Fréres Locle, number 22426. In perfect working order. White enamel dial with superbly preserved surface. Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minutes in black enamel. Circular window at six o'clock with seconds hand, beautifully crafted pike hands, 18kt yellow gold back with delicate engraved trellis decoration and central coat of arms. Pendant and crown at 12 o'clock.It has the name of the brand engraved on the back cover, in addition to the contrast of gold perfectly legible, which places it geographically and gives signs of its authenticity. The machinery is perfectly adjusted and clean, as can be seen from the photographs. The watch strikes the hours perfectly and has a quarter repeater. The invention of the spring mechanism in 1500 gave rise to portable clocks that were worn on a cord. These early clocks were considered true pieces of jewelry, which served primarily as ornaments, since in most cases they did not tell the time well until 1670, with the development of the balance-spring. At that time the minute hand appeared, as well as the minute divisions on the dials. Eventually the lever escapement replaced the other escapements, and was used in practically all mechanical watches. At the end of the century, the double case began to be used for the protection of the watch, but since 1830 the use of a single case has returned, as in this example. Swiss watches are characterized by very good quality cases, smooth or decorated, almost always using gold or silver foil to make the designs on them. Magnificent watch to add to a collection or as a perfect excuse to start one... Measures: 50 cm in diameter.