Czapek & Cie. 18k gold key-wind pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1852
This antique pocket watch is catalogued by Christie's as an early key-wind and key-set timepiece produced by Czapek & Cie., dating to circa 1852. The 32 mm case is crafted from 18k gold and features decorative enamel.
It houses a manual-wind gilt cylinder calibre dedicated to time-only indication. The white enamel dial displays elongated black Roman numerals along with Breguet-style hands, framed within a hinged case complete with an arched winding bow and pendant.
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
- Key-wind hunting case pocket watch
- Circa
- 1852
- Functions
- Time only
- Case Diameter
- 32mm
- Case Material
- 18k gold
- Dial Material
- Enamel
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Caliber
- Gilt cylinder
- Maker / attribution
- Czapek & Cie.
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track • Open hunting-style front lid showing engine-turned or patterned gold detailing • Blued Breguet-style open-tipped hands • Gold pendant and circular bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial orientation
- Dial and Mechanism
- The watch is fitted with an enamel dial and uses a gilt cylinder movement for time-only functions. The dial and hands appear to be original. The movement was reported to be in working order at the time of cataloging, though it has not been tested for accuracy and a service is recommended.
- Identity and Provenance
- This timepiece is attributed to the manufacture Czapek & Cie. The source notes that François Czapek established his own company, Czapek & Cie., in 1851 following the termination of his cooperation with Patek in 1845. The watch is catalogued by the source as dating to circa 1852.
- Case and Exterior Features
- The hunting-style case is constructed from 18k gold with a diameter of 32 mm. The exterior features blue enamel decorative elements. The condition report notes that the case exhibits scratches and slight loss of the blue enamel. The blue enamel specifically exhibits scratches on both sides, while the dust cover and inside case back exhibit light scratches.
Identification
- 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 movement and case back interiors are not visible in the provided photo
- Research required: Loss and scratching of the blue enamel referenced in the report are not fully visible in the open front-dial view