Contetout 18K gold keyless chronograph pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
This is an 18K gold keyless chronograph pocket watch produced in Switzerland circa 1920 under the name Contetout, associated with John Reymond. The four-body polished bassine case measures 52 mm in diameter with a gold hinged cuvette.
Its white enamel dial displays black Arabic numerals with five-minute outer divisions, inner red 24-hour markings, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and a patented concentric minute and hour recorder sub-dial at 12 o'clock. The watch is powered by an 18-ligne rhodium-plated movement with 21 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring, and swan-neck micrometric 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
- Type
- Chronograph pocket watch
- Jewel count
- 21 jewels
- Case diameter
- 52 mm
- Case material
- 18K gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial description
- White enamel with Arabic numerals and concentric sub-dial
- Maker / attribution
- Contetout (John Reymond)
- Movement dimensions
- 41 mm (18''')
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and inner red 24-hour chapter numerals. • Sub-dial at 12 o'clock features concentric recorder hands with multiple scales. • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock features a red '18' marker at the bottom. • Dial is signed 'CONTETOUT' on the left and marked with a logo and number '71222' on the right. • Polished yellow gold case with matching grooved winding crown and round bow.
- Dial Configuration
- The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals with five-minute outer divisions and subsidiary sunk seconds. A unique sub-dial at 12 o'clock displays minute and hour recorders using concentric hands with 12-hour and 60-minute Arabic chapters. The dial is signed, and the hands are identified as blued steel 'spade' type.
- Case and Construction
- The watch is housed in a four-body 'bassine' style case constructed of 18K gold. Features include a polished finish, a gold hinged cuvette, and a 52 mm diameter. The winding crown and bow are present. The interior mechanism and case components are documented as per auction catalog records.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The watch utilizes an 18-ligne (41 mm) rhodium-plated movement with 21 jewels. Technical specifications include a straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring, and a 'swan-neck' regulator. The chronograph mechanism is patented and mounted on the back plate.
Identification
- Serial number
- 71222
- 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: Movement and interior case back/cuvette are not depicted in the provided photograph; details rely on auction catalog description.