F.A. Robert-Charrue 18k Gold Tourbillon Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1936
This F.A. Robert-Charrue timepiece is an 18-karat gold keyless pocket watch featuring a one-minute chronometer tourbillon, completed in 1936. The watch is housed in a three-piece demi-bassine case, characterized by polished and glazed bezels and a matte band adorned with chased laurel foliage detailing in green.
The dial consists of white enamel with Breguet-style numerals and a subsidiary seconds sub-dial, complemented by blued-steel antique hands. The movement is a 20-ligne nickelled construction with fausse côtes decoration, featuring a going barrel, a gold alloy escape wheel, and a spring detent chronometer escapement. It utilizes a three-arm polished steel carriage for the tourbillon, a cut bimetallic balance, and a Philipps curb spring with an index regulator.
The movement is signed by the maker. The watch is described as being in mint condition and measuring 53mm in diameter.
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
- Keyless tourbillon pocket watch
- Maker
- F.A. Robert-Charrue
- Diameter
- 53mm
- Escapement
- Spring detent chronometer
- Case Material
- 18 ct. gold
- Dial Features
- White enamel with Breguet numerals
- Serial Number
- 1936
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Completion Date
- 1936
- Movement Features
- 20-ligne nickelled with fausse côtes
- Maker / attribution
- F.A. Robert-Charrue
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a three-piece 'demi-bassine' case manufactured from 18-karat gold. The exterior features polished and glazed bezels, contrasting with a matte band decorated with chased laurel foliage highlighted in green. The overall case diameter is 53mm. The dial is composed of white enamel and displays Breguet-style numerals. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the bottom, and the time is indicated by blued-steel 'antique' hands. The design maintains a classic aesthetic consistent with the period of production.
- Visible features
- • Three-piece demi-bassine case construction • Tourbillon carriage with three polished steel arms • Fausse côtes decoration on the movement plate • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 20-ligne nickelled caliber finished with 'fausse côtes' decoration. It is powered by a going barrel and a gilt train. The primary horological feature is a one-minute tourbillon, which utilizes a three-arm polished steel carriage. The escapement is a spring detent chronometer type, paired with a gold alloy escape wheel. Regulation is provided by a cut bimetallic balance and a Philipps curb spring with an index regulator. The movement incorporates 11 jewels, one of which is a sapphire, and includes a polished steel bridge.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The watch was completed in 1936 by Fritz Robert-Charrue, an educator and watchmaker associated with the Technicum in Le Locle. The object is identified by the serial number 1936. This specific watch is noted in horological literature and research, appearing in works by R. Meis, A. Chapuis, and J. C. Pellaton.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1936
- 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 auction description reports the condition as mint
- Research required: The description identifies the watch as a masterpiece by the maker
- Research required: The specific alloy composition of the gold is not detailed beyond 18ct