Rare Esquivillon & Dechouden Verge Quarter Hour Repeater Pocket Watch CA1780s Painted Enamel Dial

Product Overview

An extraordinary example of 18th century Swiss horology, this rare Esquivillon & Dechouden verge quarter hour repeater pocket watch dates to the 1780s and showcases exceptional craftsmanship, artistry, and mechanical sophistication from the golden age of early watchmaking.

Created by the distinguished Swiss makers Esquivillon & Dechouden, this antique gentleman’s pocket watch features a beautifully preserved sterling silver pair case measuring 52 mm and an exquisite hand-crafted enamel porcelain dial decorated with Cupid motifs, doves, and flying heart designs. The vivid romantic imagery and Louis XVI styling make this a visually striking collector’s piece with remarkable artistic appeal.

The watch houses a signed gilt full plate movement with traditional verge escapement and key-set operation, along with the highly desirable quarter hour repeating complication — an important feature in early horological development. Adding to its originality and historical value, the watch retains its original paper liner and remains in exceptional overall condition for its age.

This rare Swiss verge repeater is an outstanding acquisition for collectors of early pocket watches, Georgian-era antiques, and museum-quality horology.

Detailed Specifications

Make & Origin

• Manufacturer: Esquivillon & Dechouden
• Country of Origin: Switzerland
• Circa Date: 1780s
• Serial Number: 18010
• Type: Men’s Pocket Watch

Case

• Material: Sterling Silver
• Style: Plain Pair Case
• Size: 52 mm
• Condition: Very Good Condition

Dial

• Type: Hand Crafted Enamel Porcelain Dial
• Numerals: Roman Numerals
• Hands: Louis XVI Hands
• Decorations: Cupid, Doves & Flying Heart Motifs
• Condition: Very Good Condition with slight scratches and minor chips or hairlines beneath bezel not visible when closed

Movement

• Mechanical Key-Set Movement
• Verge Escapement
• Gilt Movement
• Full Plate Layout
• Signed Movement
• Quarter Hour Repeater Complication
• Condition: Very Good Condition

Features & Collector Appeal

• Rare 18th century Swiss verge repeater pocket watch
• Highly desirable quarter hour repeater complication
• Exceptional hand painted enamel dial artwork
• Romantic Cupid and flying heart themed decoration
• Original sterling silver pair case
• Signed gilt full plate verge movement
• Original paper liner included
• Strong Georgian-era historical significance
• Museum-quality collector’s timepiece
• Outstanding example of early Swiss horology

Historical Significance

Quarter hour repeater watches from the 18th century represent some of the earliest complex portable timepieces ever produced. Designed to audibly chime the time on demand, repeater watches were considered luxury objects reserved for wealthy owners and aristocratic collectors.

The verge escapement movement used in this watch reflects one of the foundational technologies of early portable watchmaking, while the elaborate enamel dial artistry demonstrates the merging of decorative arts with fine horology during the Georgian period.

Today, authentic signed verge repeaters from the 1700s remain highly sought after by advanced collectors worldwide.