J.M. Badollet & Cie. A Gold and Enamel Half Hunter Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1880

J.M. Badollet & Cie Geneve. A Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Half Hunter Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1880.

Dial: The white enamel dial with Roman numerals and outer minute track. The subsidiary seconds dial located at six o'clock. The fine original blued steel double spade hands and matching blued steel seconds dial.

Case: The 18ct yellow gold Half Hunter case with beautiful translucent enamel surrounding the aperture of pink and blue with blue enamel Roman numerals. The plain case back opening to reveal the inner case back which is engraved with a description of the movement and the makers name J M Badollet & Cie A Geneve. The cases are all Swiss hallmarked and stamped with the makers mark. The repeater slide is at the side of the case.

Movement: The superb gilt metal fully jewelled movement with Wolf's tooth winding, breguet overcoil hairspring and compensation balance. The watch cimes beautifully as the hammers and gongs are clearly visible.

This watch is an excellent example of Swiss craftsmanship at it's best. The Badollet family, since settling in Geneva in 1555, was one of the first family dynasties to contribute to the founding of the great watchmaking tradition. Since 1635, several Master Watchmakers have followed on and the brand’s reputation soon crossed the borders of Switzerland while retaining its base in Geneva. Its international prestige has been reinforced by its presence in Paris in the 18th century, in London in the 19th and in Philadelphia in the 20th century. This watch would make an excellent addition to one's collection.