Bordier ' Montre a Portrait
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This pair-cased pocket watch, numbered 38117 and attributed to the maker Bordier in Geneva, dates to approximately 1780. The watch is constructed with a gilt brass case and features decorative enamel and paste elements.
The outer case is a two-body design, with a back adorned with a painted enamel portrait of a lady, surrounded by a border of paste stones and translucent imperial blue enamel over circular engine-turning. The case band displays a repeated engraved pattern, while the front bezel is also set with paste stones. The inner case is a two-body, bassine-style, polished housing with a deep back. The watch measures 39 mm in diameter.
It is powered by a 28 mm movement with a fusee and chain, a verge escapement, and a brass balance.
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
- Pair cased pocket watch
- Maker
- Bordier
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Case material
- Gilt brass
- Movement size
- 28 mm
- Serial Number
- 38117
- Place recorded
- Geneva
- Dial description
- White enamel
- Maker / attribution
- Bordier
Design
- Visible features
- • Outer case features a miniature painted portrait of a woman. • The watch includes paste-set decorative elements on the bezel and portrait border. • Movement is fitted with a single-footed cock featuring a ruby-paste endstone. • Dial displays radial Roman numerals with Arabic numerals for the five-minute marks.
- Dial and Signatures
- The dial is finished in white enamel, featuring radial Roman numerals for the hours. An outer minute track is marked with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The watch is equipped with elaborate paste-set hands. Both the dial and the movement are signed by the maker, Bordier of Geneva.
- Case and Exterior Decoration
- The timepiece is housed in a pair-cased configuration, primarily constructed of gilt brass. The outer case is a two-body construction featuring a decorative back panel. This panel includes a painted enamel portrait of a lady, which is framed by paste stones and a border of translucent imperial blue enamel applied over a circular engine-turned surface. The band of the case is detailed with a repeated engraved pattern, and the front bezel is also set with pastes. The inner case is a two-body, bassine-style vessel. It is polished and designed with a deep back to accommodate the movement. The combined diameter of the timepiece is 39 mm, and the case condition is noted as containing scratches and slight chips.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The watch is powered by a 28 mm movement, which is hinged to the case. It is a frosted gilt full-plate movement constructed with pentagonal baluster pillars. The mechanical timekeeping is regulated by a fusee and chain system with a verge escapement. The balance assembly consists of a brass balance with a flat balance spring. The movement includes a single-footed cock that is finished with a ruby-paste endstone.
Identification
- Serial number
- 38117
- 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 reports the watch has a slightly chipped case and recommends an overhaul.
- Research required: The specific identity of the lady depicted in the enamel portrait is not stated in the documentation.