École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1914
This Swiss pocket watch is a graduate's masterpiece created at the École d'Horlogerie in Neuchâtel. Dating to circa 1914, the watch features a silver case decorated with a bas-relief motif depicting Helvetia with a sword, accompanied by soldiers and a crowd, marked with the signature Huguenin and the maker's mark HF for Huguenin Frères.
The movement is a bridge-type construction with a lever escapement, gold screw compensation balance, and a blued Breguet balance spring. Measuring 54 mm in diameter and weighing 113 grams, the timepiece functions as a representative example of examination works produced by students at Swiss technical horological schools during the early 20th century. The watch is referenced in the publication Klassik Uhren, 3/98. It is currently reported as being in very good condition and capable of running, with cleaning recommended by the auction description.
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
- Masterpiece pocket watch
- Maker
- École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel
- Dimensions
- 54 mm
- Escapement
- Lever escapement
- Publication
- Klassik Uhren, 3/98, p. 46 ff.
- Case Material
- Silver
- Movement Type
- Bridge movement
- Case Signature
- Huguenin
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 560
- Maker / attribution
- École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features high-relief historical figures • The movement bridge is inscribed 'NEUCHATEL' and 'Ecole d'Horlogerie' • Movement includes four visible jewels
- Case and Decoration
- The silver case of this pocket watch features a highly detailed bas-relief motif on its exterior. The design depicts the allegorical figure of Helvetia holding a sword, positioned alongside a stone block inscribed with the year 1914. The background includes figures of soldiers carrying the Swiss flag and a cheering crowd. The work is attributed to the Huguenin firm, as indicated by the signature Huguenin and the HF maker's mark identifying Huguenin Frères. The case design is specific to the 1914 production date associated with the piece.
- Context and Provenance
- This watch was produced at the École d'Horlogerie de Neuchâtel, a technical institution in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. Such schools were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to train horologists and address labor shortages in specialized watch production. As a graduate masterpiece, this watch represents the final examination project of a student. The piece is recorded as having been illustrated and described in the horological publication Klassik Uhren, issue 3/98.
- Movement and Construction
- The watch is powered by a bridge-style movement. The technical specification includes a lever escapement for timekeeping regulation. The balance assembly utilizes a large gold screw compensation balance to mitigate temperature variations, paired with a blued Breguet balance spring. The movement plate is engraved with the location Neuchâtel and the inscription Ecole d'Horlogerie. It bears the movement number 560. The auction description indicates the movement is in very good condition and functional, though it advises that cleaning is recommended.
Identification
- Reference
- School Watch
- Serial number
- 560
- 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 identity of Paul Matthey is not specified beyond his association with the lot
- Research required: The degree of original student vs. instructor assembly is unverified