HONNORE LIEUTAUD of MARSEILLE Georgian 18kt Diamond Pocket Watch

A rare and exquisite mixed metals diamond pocket watch made by Honnoré Lieutaud of Marseille, France during the Georgian (ca1780) era. This vibrant 18kt gold verge quarter repeater timepiece adorns a domed crystal covering over the white watch face on one side. The other side is graced with a stunning applied gold motif of a large urn against a gorgeous background, which is crafted out of rose, yellow, and green gold along with sterling silver accents. The urn is topped with flowers, rests atop a square pedestal, and is adorned with a long, draped cloth. A lovely etched fruit basket is perched on the ground below, while a satchel of arrows lays nearby with two peace doves embracing near the fletching tips. The incredible image is finished with gorgeous etched rays beaming outward, and the surrounding border is decorated with flowing garlands and a feminine bow at the top and bottom. Finishing the image is an outer border featuring two elegant interwoven textured garlands, which also graces the frame that surrounds the crystal cover on the other side. The garland border on the back is adorned with a sparkling old Mine Cut diamond that weighs approximately 0.40ct, and displays H color and SI-2 clarity, catching the light brilliantly with every turn.

The gorgeous diamond also acts as the button that opens the crystal frame, revealing an incredible domed watch face which has a creamy white surface. The elegant face features beautiful hand painted black Roman numerals and numeric increments, and gracing the center is “honnoré Lieutaud” written in a lovely script at the center. The intricate Arabic style dials are encrusted with delicate old Rose Cut diamonds, adding the perfect sparkling aesthetic to this stunning timepiece. Finishing the face is a watch key opening that rests slightly offset from the center. An interior lever opens a second compartment, revealing the working watch movement and verge mechanism, which is engraved with “h. Lieutaud a Marseille” and the serial number “No. 780” both written in a fancy script. The watch movements rest against a smoothly polished interior side that is stamped with a hallmark or maker’s mark of an “HF” below a crown motif.

At the top of the piece is a simple but elegant gold handle and bail, perfect for adding this extraordinary timepiece to a favorite watch chain. Absolutely stunning inside and out, this magnificent pocket watch is a historical treasure and a must for any watch collector!

Measurements: The pocket watch measures approximately 2 5/8″ tall (including the handle), is about 1 3/4″ diameter, and is approximately 3/4″ thick. The overall weight of the piece is 48.7dwt (75.7 grams).

Condition: The pocket watch remains in excellent antique condition. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent damage to the gold setting or to the watch face and movement. Considering the age of this piece, the white face and crystal cover are in excellent condition, with no apparent damage to either surface. Watches of this era should be cleaned and oiled periodically to keep them in good working order, however, currently, the watch keeps time and remains in excellent working condition.