Boucheron Minute Repeating Desk Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This Boucheron desk clock is an eight-day, keyless, minute-repeating timepiece dating to circa 1900. It is housed in a rectangular silver case measuring 90 x 68 x 55 mm, featuring a polished finish, moulded outswept top and base, and a silver-gilt bezel.
The white enamel dial displays Breguet numerals and gilt dot minute markers, paired with blued steel Breguet-style hands. The movement is of Swiss origin, constructed with rectangular matte gilt plates and 15 jewels. It incorporates a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and a centrifugal governor for the repeating mechanism. The repeating function is activated by depressing a button situated at the top of the case, with regulation performed through the base.
Both the dial and the case bear the maker's signature.
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 1900
- Type
- Desk clock
- Maker
- Boucheron
- Case number
- 679614
- Place recorded
- France
- Case dimensions
- 90 x 68 x 55 mm
- Escapement type
- Straight-line lever escapement
- Movement jewels
- 15 jewels
- Repeating function
- Minute-repeating
- Maker / attribution
- Boucheron
- Movement regulation
- Regulation through the base
Design
- Case and Dial
- The desk clock is encased in a rectangular silver body, measuring 90 mm by 68 mm by 55 mm. The design includes a polished finish, complemented by a moulded, outswept top section and a corresponding base. The dial aperture is framed by a silver-gilt bezel, which provides a contrast to the primary silver case material. The dial consists of white enamel, upon which Breguet numerals are marked. Minute indexing is provided by a series of gilt dots arranged around the outer perimeter of the dial. Time is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands, which match the numerals in style. The dial is signed, as is the case itself.
- Visible features
- • Case features a moulded, outswept top and base with polished surfaces. • White enamel dial with Breguet-style numerals and gilt dot indexes. • Repeating button positioned at the top of the desk clock case. • Blued steel Breguet hands are present on the dial.
- Condition and Marks
- The case bears the serial number 679614, and the maker is identified as Boucheron, Paris. Specifically, the case is assigned a grade of 3, described as 'Good', and the dial is also graded 3-01, noted as 'Good'. The hands are verified as original components. The movement is graded 3* and also noted as 'Good'. Despite the functional grading, the auction record notes that the mechanism requires maintenance.
- Movement and Repeating Mechanism
- The internal mechanism is an 8-day going movement, identified as Swiss. It is built using rectangular plates with a matte gilt finish. The movement incorporates 15 jewels to reduce friction and utilizes a straight-line lever escapement. Accuracy is governed by a cut bimetallic compensation balance, paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The minute-repeating function is activated via a button located at the top of the clock case. This mechanism strikes on gongs and is controlled by a centrifugal governor. Regulation of the clock is performed through the base of the unit.
Identification
- Serial number
- 679614
- 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 exact caliber of the movement is denoted as '19???' in the auction documentation.
- Research required: The movement condition is reported as needing an overhaul.