B. H. J. Co. 18 ct. Pink Gold Minute Repeating Astronomical Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This B. H. J. Co. (Bernard Haas Jeune Cie) pocket watch is a keyless minute repeating timepiece featuring a perpetual calendar and moon phase indication. Dating to circa 1900 and manufactured in Switzerland, the watch is encased in an 18 ct. pink gold "bassine et filets" style hunting case.
The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals with an outer gilt Arabic minute ring and houses multiple subsidiary dials for the days of the week, months with a leap year cycle, dates, and seconds incorporating a moon phase aperture. The movement, a 19-ligne caliber, is nickel-plated with "fausses côtes" decoration and includes 32 jewels. It utilizes a counterpoised adjustable straight line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring.
The repeating mechanism operates on gongs, activated by a slide in the case band. The case bears the Haas trademark.
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 pocket watch
- Maker
- B. H. J. Co. (Bernard Haas Jeune Cie)
- Jewels
- 32
- Diameter
- 56 mm
- Material
- 18 ct. pink gold
- Case Style
- Bassine et filets
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- B. H. J. Co. (Bernard Haas Jeune Cie)
- Movement decoration
- Fausses côtes
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is housed in a polished, four-body 18 ct. pink gold hunting case designed in the "bassine et filets" style. The watch is keyless, with the repeating slide mechanism integrated into the case band. A gold cuvette is present within the hunting case. The dial is constructed of white enamel and features Roman numerals for the hours, complemented by an outer gilt Arabic minute track. Astronomical and calendar information is presented via subsidiary dials. These displays include the days of the week, the months integrated with a leap year cycle, and the dates combined with the seconds and a moon phase aperture. The watch is equipped with gold spade hands.
- Visible features
- • Hunting case construction • Visible moon phase aperture at the 6 o'clock position • Crown-wind keyless mechanism • Gold spade-style hands
- Movement and Escapement
- The 19-ligne movement is nickel-plated and finished with "fausses côtes" decoration. It bears the Geneva quality mark and contains 32 jewels. The watch includes a repeating function that sounds on gongs. The mechanical regulation is achieved through a counterpoised adjustable straight line lever escapement. The balance system comprises a cut bimetallic balance paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring.
- Signatures and Condition
- The movement is identified by the B. H. J. Co. (Bernard Haas Jeune Cie) signature, with the Haas trademark also struck upon the case. The watch is reported to be in good condition overall, though the auction description identifies specific wear to the dial. The dial displays hair cracks as reported in the auction documentation. The watch originates from Switzerland and is dated to approximately 1900.
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: The auction description notes hair cracks on the enamel dial
- Research required: The 19-ligne movement specification relies on the auction description