Anonymous 14k yellow gold minute repeating chronograph pocket watch made for the Imperial Court of the Shah of Persia
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa early 20th Century
This early 20th-century pocket watch is cased in 14k yellow gold with a diameter of 55 mm. The manual-wind movement incorporates minute repeating and chronograph functions.
According to Christie's catalogue, the piece was produced for the Imperial Court of the Shah of Persia and is fitted with a white enamel dial. The case back showcases a central polychrome painted enamel portrait of a military figure, surrounded by an engraved gold border detailed with blue enamel accents. The case band integrates a slide mechanism and a push-piece.
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
- Dial
- White enamel
- Type
- Minute repeating chronograph pocket watch
- Movement
- Manual
- Case Diameter
- 55 mm
- Case Material
- 14k yellow gold
- Complications
- Minute repeater and chronograph
- Date of Production
- Early 20th Century
Design
- Visible features
- • Polychrome enamel portrait depicting a moustachioed military figure wearing an aigrette-adorned cap, epaulettes, sash, and medals. • Engraved gold bezel border on the case back decorated with dark blue enamel accents and geometric and floral patterns. • Fluted winding crown with an oval bow, accompanied by a lateral repeating slide and an actuator push-piece on the band.
- Provenance and Condition Report
- The watch is catalogued as anonymous, with the source noting it was made for the Imperial Court of the Shah of Persia. It is dated to the early 20th century. No specific maker or country of origin is stated. The auction house notes that while the case is in very good overall condition, there is loss of enamel around the case, and the enamel has been professionally restored in certain areas.
- Mechanism and Dial Configuration
- The timepiece uses a manual-wind movement with minute repeating and chronograph functions. The dial is white enamel. Regarding current condition, the movement was ticking at the time of cataloguing, though a service is recommended. The hands were reported as not moving forward. The crystal is cracked in the middle, and the dial shows small stains and dust.
- Case Construction and Ornamentation
- The watch is housed in a 55 mm 14k yellow gold case. The reverse displays a polychrome painted enamel portrait of a moustachioed military figure, depicted wearing an aigrette-adorned cap, epaulettes, sash, and medals. This central portrait is framed by an engraved gold border featuring geometric and floral patterns, accented with dark blue enamel. External controls include a fluted winding crown fitted with an oval bow. The case band features an integrated lateral repeating slide and an actuator push-piece.
Identification
- 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: No maker signature or country of origin is identified by the auction house.
- Research required: The dial, movement, and interior hallmarks are not visible in the supplied photograph.
- Research required: Christie's condition report notes restored enamel in places, a cracked crystal, and that the hands were not advancing.