Lépine 18k Gold Diamond Marie Antoinette Skeleton Verge Fusee Pocket Watch c1780

A Royal Masterpiece from the Court of Versailles — Antique c. 1780s Solid 18K Gold, Diamond & Enamel Skeletonized Verge Fusee Pocket Watch Attributed to Lépine à Paris

Presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a true museum-quality artifact of French royal history. This extraordinary 39mm double-glazed pocket watch, attributed to the legendary French watchmaker Jean-Antoine Lépine, was crafted circa the 1780s for the French royal court of Queen Marie Antoinette.

Weighing a substantial 52 grams (including its matching solid gold chain fob), this masterpiece features a meticulously hand-painted polychrome enamel miniature portrait of Marie Antoinette herself. The watch is incredibly lavish, adorned with rose-cut diamonds on the dial, the original silver hands, and throughout the magnificent skeletonized verge fusee movement. Accompanying this royal treasure is its original luxury presentation box, bearing the personal royal monogram of the Queen.

Historical Significance & Context:

• The Court of Queen Marie Antoinette: The reign of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette represented the absolute pinnacle of French decorative arts and horological extravagance. The Queen was known for her exquisite taste and patronage of the finest artisans in Paris. A piece of this magnitude, complete with her portrait and a monogrammed royal box, represents the highest echelon of pre-Revolutionary French luxury.

• Attribution to Jean-Antoine Lépine (1720–1814): Lépine is universally recognized as one of the greatest horologists in history. Serving as the watchmaker to Louis XV, Louis XVI, and later Napoleon, his workshops produced the most mechanically advanced and aesthetically brilliant timepieces of the era.

• Skeletonized Verge Fusee Artistry: In the late 18th century, “skeleton” watches became a sensation among the European elite. By utilizing a double-glazed (glass on both front and back) design, the watchmaker could showcase the beating heart of the watch. The open, visible balance and entirely hand-engraved, pierced movement set with rose-cut diamonds demonstrate an unparalleled level of master craftsmanship.

Item Specifics:

• Maker: Attributed to Lépine à Paris

• Era/Circa: Louis XVI Era, c. 1780s

• Case Material: Solid 18k Gold (Double-glazed / Exhibition back)

• Total Weight: 52 grams (Includes watch, chain fob, and key)

• Case Diameter: 39mm

• Gemstones: Antique Rose-Cut Diamonds (set on the movement, dial surround, and hands)

• Artwork: Hand-painted miniature polychrome enamel portrait of Queen Marie Antoinette

• Movement: Skeletonized, highly pierced, and hand-engraved Verge Fusee with an open visible balance

• Hands: Original silver hands, diamond-set

Condition Report: This 240-year-old royal timepiece is in perfect working order and extraordinary museum-grade condition.

• Movement: The verge fusee movement functions beautifully, a remarkable feat for a highly decorated skeletonized piece of this age. The diamond-set balance swings vigorously.

• Case & Enamel: The 18k solid gold case is pristine. The hand-painted enamel portrait of Marie Antoinette remains vibrant, rich in color, and free from major chips or restorations.

• Accessories: The matching solid gold chain fob and winding key are in excellent condition. The original luxury presentation box shows age-appropriate wear but proudly displays the intact royal monogram.

• Disclaimer: While currently running perfectly, all antique mechanical watches of this age should be handled with extreme care and may require periodic professional service by a specialized historical horologist.

What’s Included:

• 1 Antique 18k Gold Diamond/Enamel Royal Pocket Watch

• 1 Matching Solid Gold Chain Fob

• 1 Solid Gold Winding Key

• 1 Original Monogrammed Luxury Presentation Box

Shipping & Handling:

• Due to the immense historical value and irreplaceable nature of this artifact, it will be dispatched via highly secure, armored courier or expedited international priority service DHLwith full comprehensive insurance and mandatory signature/ID verification upon delivery.

• Returns:

• 60-day returns accepted only if the item and all its accompanying historic accessories (box, chain, key) are returned in the exact, unaltered, and undamaged condition as photographed and described. 

• The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $18,000.00