Agassiz 8-Day Power Reserve Pocket Watch (43 mm)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
This Agassiz Watch Co. pocket watch is a keyless, thin 18K gold timekeeper with an eight-day going duration and power reserve indication. Manufactured in Switzerland circa 1920 for the retailer G.W.
Fairchild & Sons of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the watch features a white enamel dial with radial dauphine numerals, a power reserve indicator located at the 12 o'clock position, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The four-body bassine case has a polished finish, semi-concealed hinges, and a hinged gold cuvette. Power for the eight-day movement is achieved through an additional wheel. The 37 mm (16 1/2 line) rhodium-plated movement incorporates 21 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut-bimetallic compensation balance with eight adjustments.
It also includes a blued steel Breguet balance spring and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the maker.
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
- Type
- 8-day pocket watch
- Maker
- Agassiz Watch Co.
- Retailer
- G.W. Fairchild & Sons
- Jewel count
- 21
- Case diameter
- 43 mm
- Case material
- 18K gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial decoration
- White enamel
- Movement diameter
- 37 mm (16 1/2 lines)
- Maker / attribution
- Agassiz Watch Co.
- Movement decoration
- Fausses cotes
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an 18K gold four-body case of the bassine type, characterized by its polished finish and semi-concealed hinges. The design includes a hinged gold cuvette protecting the movement. The white enamel dial displays radial dauphine numerals and an outer minute track. A power reserve indicator is situated at the 12 o'clock position, while a subsidiary seconds register is placed at the bottom at 6 o'clock. The time is indicated by blued steel Breguet-style hands.
- Visible features
- • Radial dauphine hour numerals • Power reserve indicator marked 'UP' and 'DOWN' • Blued steel Breguet hands • Polished bassine-style gold case
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 37 mm (16 1/2 line) rhodium-plated caliber featuring fausses cotes decoration. It is configured for an 8-day power reserve, achieved through the integration of an additional wheel within the movement architecture. The escapement is a straight-line lever type, paired with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance adjusted in eight positions. Regulation is handled by a swan-neck micrometer regulator and a blued steel Breguet-type balance spring.
- Condition and Authenticity
- The auction house provides a grading system where the overall watch is assigned a grade of AA, indicating it is in very good condition. The enamel dial is also assessed as good, though it is noted to have hairlines. The hands are recorded as original to the watch, and signatures are present on the dial, case, and movement.
Identification
- Serial number
- 249749
- 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: Condition report notes 'Hairlines' on the enamel dial
- Research required: Auction house recommends an overhaul for the movement