Pocket watch: large, museum-quality, important gold/enamel verge watch with repeater ca. 1780

Ca. Ø 49.5mm, approx. 87g, splendour case of large rarity, enamel painting, surrounded by paillone enamel, double rows of rubies and half pearls, fine sound openings in the band, bell, signed verge movement Roman Melly & Roux a Constance, No.332, repeating the hours and quarters on bell, very well preserved enamel dial, extremely beautiful pink gold hands, intact and in a rare condition, enamel not restored, complete original stone setting, probably made for the Chinese market. As far as we know, this is the earliest known pocket watch by this famous maker. Gold/enamel verge watches set with stones and pearls, which also have a repeater on a bell, are highly sought-after and extremely valuable collector's items. Comparable pieces can be found in the Hermitage Collection and the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.