Berthold Reymond 'Helvetia' Hunting-Cased Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This hunting-cased keyless pocket watch, signed by Berthold Reymond, dates to approximately 1890. It is constructed in 18K gold and features extensive enamel decoration.
The front cover is set with a central Swiss shield surmounted by William Tell's hat, encircled by champleve enamel shields representing the 22 Swiss Cantons within an engraved foliate border. The reverse of the case depicts the classical figure of 'Helvetia' within an alpine landscape, surrounded by engraved foliate, scroll, and trophy motifs. The watch features a white enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and Arabic five-minute numerals, complemented by blued steel spade hands.
Internally, the 19-ligne frosted gilt bar calibre movement is equipped with 18 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring and index regulator.
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 1890
- Type
- Hunting-cased keyless pocket watch
- Maker
- Berthold Reymond
- Diameter
- 49 mm
- Escapement
- Straight line lever
- Case Material
- 18K gold
- Serial Number
- 8157
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Calibre
- 19 ligne frosted gilt bar calibre
- Maker / attribution
- Berthold Reymond
Design
- Visible features
- • The front cover is decorated with a Swiss coat of arms in enamel. • The band and case borders feature engraved geometric patterns. • The dial is fitted with blued steel spade-style hands. • The case is a four-body 'bassine et filets' construction.
- Dial and Condition
- The dial is finished in white enamel and follows a standard layout with radial Roman numerals for the hours. It includes an outer minute track and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The time is indicated by blued steel spade hands. The dial is signed by the maker. Condition reports provided by the auction house classify the movement as having some scratching and oxidation, with an overhaul suggested. The case is described as being in good condition despite some surface oxidation and slight rusting. The hands are reported as original to the piece.
- Case and External Decoration
- The watch is housed in a four-body 18K gold 'bassine et filets' hunting case. The exterior surfaces are finished with intricate engraved foliate, scroll, and trophy border patterns, with the case band and borders featuring geometric engravings. The reverse cover features an oval enamel vignette depicting the allegorical figure of Helvetia set against an alpine landscape. This detailed work is framed by elaborate gold engraving. The hinged gold cuvette provides protection for the internal movement, and the winding is achieved via a keyless mechanism.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The movement is a 19-ligne frosted gilt bar calibre featuring a straight-line lever escapement. Regulation of the timing is managed through an index regulator, while the balance assembly consists of a cut bimetallic compensation balance paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The movement contains 18 jewels. Technical performance is maintained through the traditional balance arrangement. The auction report notes that the movement is scratched and requires an overhaul, which would be conducted at the purchaser's expense.
Identification
- Serial number
- 8157
- 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 requires an overhaul, according to the auction report.
- Research required: The case exhibits signs of oxidation and slight rusting.