HILGERS, Paris, 18th century 18k (750 thousandths) yellow gold and silver pocket watch with dial surrounded by Rhinestones. The back case features a painted portrait of a lady under a domed glass, surrounded by foliage and Rhinestones (some missing and replaced by marcasite). Fine craftsmanship. Manual mechanical movement with key (presently not compatible). Verge escapement movement with chain, fusée and escape wheel. Painted enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals in 5' divisions. Small lack of enamel at the key eyelet. Good condition. Non-functional (probably due to the key). Gross weight: 52.7 g. Hilgers was a Parisian watchmaker renowned for making complex repeating watches. His Bacchante clock is in the Petit Palais. In L'Esprit des journaux français et étrangers, Volume38, 1777, we read that Hilgers presented to the Académie royale des Sciences, a watch of his own invention repeating the hour, quarters and minutes up to fourteen. This invention makes it possible to tell the time at night. This perfection is highlighted in the journal. He has succeeded in precision where all others have failed. This discovery is reported in the Mercure français, volume 410 and also in the Gazette des Gazettes of the same year.