Adamson à Paris "The Diamond Star" Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1790
This 18K gold quarter-repeating pocket watch, identified as "The Diamond Star," is attributed to the maker Adamson à Paris and dates to circa 1790. The object features a slim, double-body "Directoire" case decorated with split pearl-set bezels and translucent dark blue enamel over an engine-turned floral and leaf garland.
The case back is adorned with a central star motif composed of rose-cut diamonds, surrounded by a multicolored floral paillon rosette. The white enamel dial displays Dauphine numerals, "star" minute divisions, and Arabic quarter-hour numerals, complemented by gold skeletonized hands. Internally, the 40 mm gilt full-plate movement features cylindrical pillars, a fixed barrel passing through the back plate, a cylinder escapement, and a three-arm brass balance.
The watch includes a glazed gilt brass protecting case and strikes the quarters on a bell via the pendant.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1790
- Type
- Quarter repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Adamson à Paris
- Case Style
- Directoire
- Escapement
- Cylinder
- Serial Number
- 842
- Place recorded
- France
- Repeating Type
- Quarter-repeating
- Movement Diameter
- 40 mm
- Maker / attribution
- Adamson à Paris
Design
- Visible features
- • The case back features a central rose-cut diamond star surrounded by paillon rosettes. • The bezel is set with a complete row of split pearls. • The pendant mechanism initiates the quarter-repeating function. • The dial uses distinctive Dauphine numerals and star-shaped minute markers.
- Case and Enamel Decoration
- The watch is housed in a double-body, slim "Directoire" gold case. The exterior aesthetic relies heavily on the use of split pearls, which are set into the bezels, creating a frame for the central design. The back of the case is covered in translucent dark blue enamel that sits over an engine-turned surface decorated with a garland of flowers and leaves. A primary visual element of the object is the center of the case back, which features a large, central rose-cut diamond arranged as a star. This star is further embellished with a multicolored floral paillon rosette, providing a distinct contrast to the dark blue enamel background.
- Condition and Authenticity
- The auction description provides specific condition reports for the watch components. The dial is rated '3-23-01 Good'. Regarding the originality of components, the auction house explicitly notes that the hands are later additions rather than the original set. The rest of the watch is presented as the object originally catalogued under number 842, though the grading suggests that future maintenance is necessary to return the repeating function and movement to optimal working order.
- Movement and Repeating Mechanism
- The watch is powered by a 40 mm (18''') gilt full-plate movement. The design includes cylindrical pillars, with the fixed barrel passing through the back plate, where it is secured by a screwed plate. Timekeeping is regulated by a cylinder escapement paired with a plain brass three-arm balance and a flat balance spring. An index regulator is used to adjust the rate. The watch functions as a quarter-repeater, which is operated by depressing the pendant. The striking mechanism impacts a bell internal to the watch. The auction description notes that the bell currently has a crack, which may affect its acoustic quality. The movement, like the dial, bears the signature of the maker.
Identification
- Serial number
- 842
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The movement contains a cracked bell.
- Research required: The hands are reported by the auction description as being later replacements.