Charles Oudin 18ct Gold Astronomical Minute Repeating Hunting Cased Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1875
This 18-karat gold hunting-cased pocket watch, numbered 21663, was sold by Charles Oudin of Paris and produced by Louis Audemars circa 1875. The 54mm diameter case is constructed in a four-body "bassine et filets" style with engine-turned decoration.
Its exterior features applied gold cartouches displaying the coats-of-arms of the Ponce de Léon and De la Cerda families. The white enamel dial is equipped with Roman numerals, a moon phase aperture with a lunar calendar border, and subsidiary dials for time, day, date, and seconds. The movement, measuring 19 lignes, is constructed of gilt brass with a gold wheel train and 33 jewels, utilizing a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement and a Breguet balance 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
- Type
- Minute repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Louis Audemars
- Retailer
- Charles Oudin
- Case Material
- 18ct gold
- Complications
- Minute repeating, triple calendar, moon phase, 1/5 seconds diablotin
- Dial Features
- White enamel with Roman numerals
- Serial Number
- 21663
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Calibre
- 19 lignes
- Maker / attribution
- Charles Oudin
- Signature Locations
- Dial and cuvette
Design
- Visible features
- • Exterior case covers display relief-engraved coats-of-arms. • Dial features a central moon phase aperture and multiple recessed subsidiary registers. • Repeating mechanism operated by a slide positioned on the case band. • Engine-turned pattern visible on the case exterior.
- Dial and Complications
- The white enamel dial presents a complex layout designed to accommodate several astronomical and chronometric functions. The primary chapter ring features Roman numerals with an outer Arabic minute track. Subsidiary dials are sunk into the dial surface to indicate the day of the week, date, and seconds. A concentric foudroyante display is integrated into the sub-dials, while a moon phase aperture is situated at the top, bordered by a lunar calendar. The hands are fashioned in a gold spade style. The dial is signed by Charles Oudin, and the auction description reports the object is in very good condition.
- Case Construction and Heraldry
- The timepiece is housed in a substantial 54mm diameter, four-body "bassine et filets" hunting case crafted from 18-karat gold. The exterior surfaces feature extensive engine-turning, providing a textured finish to the metalwork. Applied to the front and back covers are gold cartouches intricately engraved with distinct heraldic emblems. The imagery represents the coat-of-arms of the Ponce de Léon family, featuring a vertically striped rampant lion, and the arms of the De la Cerda family, shown within an ermine-lined peer's mantle. These shields are associated with the marriage of Louis Joaquim Fernandez de Cortoba Figueroa de la Cerda and Maria de la Conception Ponce de Léon, though the placement on separate sides of the watch is noted as unusual for joint heraldry.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The watch is powered by a 19-ligne gilt brass movement equipped with a gold wheel train and 33 jewels. The timing regulation is handled by a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement coupled with a Breguet balance spring and a cut bimetallic balance. This complex assembly supports the keyless winding system and the repeating function. The watch strikes the time on gongs, triggered by a slide mechanism integrated into the case band. Additionally, it incorporates a "diablotin" 1/5 second chronograph mechanism.
Identification
- Serial number
- 21663
- 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 ownership by Louis Tomas Fernandez de Cortoba Figueroa de la Cerda is suggested as probable but not definitively proven.
- Research required: The specific manufacture date is an estimate attributed to the circa 1875 period.