E. Mathey Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1912
This E. Mathey pocket watch, bearing the serial number 36048, was manufactured in 1912. It is a keyless, minute-repeating timepiece constructed in 14K pink gold with a four-body "demi-bassine" case featuring a polished finish and a hinged gold cuvette decorated with concentric guilloché work.
The watch contains a nickel-finished movement with 21 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. Technical features include a cut bimetallic compensation balance, which is adjusted to four positions, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The watch provides a chronograph function with an instantaneous 30-minute register. The white enamel dial is double-sunk and displays Arabic numerals, with red Arabic markers for the outer minute and seconds track.
Time is indicated by pink gold "Louis XVI" style hands. The movement, dial, and case are each signed by the maker.
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
- E. Mathey
- Escapement
- Straight line lever
- Case Diameter
- 52 mm
- Case Material
- 14K pink gold
- Serial Number
- 36048
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Jewels
- 21 jewels
- Maker / attribution
- E. Mathey
- Year of Manufacture
- 1912
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals • Red Arabic markers at 5-minute/second intervals • Pink gold hands in Louis XVI style • Minute repeater slide located on the band
- Signatures and Provenance
- The documentation provided confirms that the watch is signed by the maker on the dial, the case, and the movement. The provenance is associated with the reference number 36048 and the date of manufacture established as 1912. No specific historical owners or literary references are cited in the source materials. The catalog entry provides a grading system for the watch's components, noting the movement and case as good, though the movement is specifically indicated as requiring maintenance. The watch is presented as a Swiss-manufactured piece.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is housed in a four-body 'demi-bassine' case crafted from 14K pink gold. The exterior surfaces are polished, and the case back is monogrammed and features an internal inscription. A hinged gold cuvette is present, finished with concentric guilloché decoration. The watch is operated via a keyless winding system, with the repeating mechanism activated by a slide positioned on the case band. The dial is composed of white enamel and is double-sunk. It features Arabic numerals for the hours, with the outer track containing minute and seconds divisions accented by red Arabic markers every five units. Subsidiary dials are situated for the seconds and the 30-minute chronograph register. The dial is fitted with pink gold hands in the Louis XVI style.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The movement, noted as caliber 20???, is constructed in nickel and contains 21 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and includes a cut bimetallic compensation balance, which is adjusted to four positions. The timing regulation is provided by a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The repeating mechanism strikes on internal gongs. The watch functions as a chronograph and includes an instantaneous 30-minute register. The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul, and the general condition is graded as good for the movement.
Identification
- Serial number
- 36048
- 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 caliber number is listed as '20???' in the source
- Research required: Case back features an unverified inscription
- Research required: Condition reports cite an overhaul is recommended for the movement