Berthoud Gold and Enamel Verge Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 18th century
This antique pocket watch is attributed to the late 18th century and is of French origin, signed 'Berthoud A PARIS' on the enamel dial and the movement plate. The watch is housed in a gold consular case featuring detailed polychrome decoration.
The case rims and bezel are adorned with green and white cloisonné enamel in foliate patterns. The case back displays a wide band of transparent orange enamel over an engine-turned ground, surrounding a central disc of cloisonné enamel on a matte gold base. The watch features a white enamel dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute markers, and jewel-set hands. The movement is a full plate gilt construction with a fusee and chain transmission system and a verge escapement.
The balance cock features pierced work and engraving, complemented by a steel coqueret and a three-armed gilt balance wheel with a blued steel spring.
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
- Late 18th century
- Type
- Verge fusee pocket watch
- Maker
- Berthoud
- Country
- France
- Case Type
- Consular
- Escapement
- Verge
- Serial Number
- 129
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Berthoud
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is contained within a gold consular case decorated with multifaceted enameling techniques. The outer back of the case is finished with a broad band of transparent orange enamel applied over an engine-turned surface, centered by a cloisonné medallion on a matte gold background. The bezel and rims are embellished with green and white floral and foliate motifs. The dial is fashioned from white enamel and features black Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes. Winding is performed through an aperture located on the dial at the two o'clock position. The hands are of an ornate style and are inset with cut stones.
- Visible features
- • The watch features a stirrup-type bow. • The dial contains a winding hole positioned near the two o'clock marker. • The movement includes a silver regulator dial with a gold indicator. • The serial number 129 is engraved on the pendant and on the movement plate.
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a full-plate gilt movement equipped with a fusee and chain transmission mechanism. The verge escapement is regulated by a balance cock featuring elaborate pierced and engraved detailing, which incorporates a steel coqueret. The balance assembly consists of a three-armed gilt balance wheel paired with a blued steel hairspring. The regulator system is mounted on a silver plate with a gold indicator. The movement is constructed with round pillars to support the plate assembly.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The watch bears the signature of Berthoud on both the dial and the movement plate, indicating its production within the Paris watchmaking school. The piece is identified by the serial number 129. This specific serial number is present on both the pendant of the watch case and the movement plate, confirming the consistency of the components.
Identification
- Reference
- 129
- Serial number
- 129
- 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 source does not confirm the current working condition or service history of the watch.
- Research required: Potential buyers are advised to independently verify the integrity of the enamel and the function of the fusee chain.