Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier pendant watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1810
This 18-karat gold and enamel lady's pendant watch, numbered 32074, is attributed to Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier, circa 1810. The watch is constructed as a two-body, 'fermée' type hunting-cased pendant piece measuring 26 mm in diameter.
The dial is white enamel featuring Breguet numerals and outer Arabic minute tracks, paired with gold 'spade' style hands. The movement is a hinged, gilt full-plate mechanism measuring 20 mm, equipped with cylindrical pillars, a fusee and chain, a verge escapement, and a plain brass balance. It features a continental cock and a rack and pinion regulator with a silver plate. The watch is signed on the dial and numbered on the movement.
It is documented in the Sandberg book on pages 426-427. This timepiece is recognized for its elaborate decorative enamel work on both the front and back covers, combining gold foliage and musical instrument motifs with figurative elements.
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
- Lady's pendant watch
- Maker
- Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier
- Diameter
- 26 mm
- Escapement
- Verge
- Literature
- Sandberg book, pages 426-427
- Case material
- 18 ct. gold
- Serial Number
- 32074
- Maker / attribution
- Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier
- Movement dimensions
- 20 mm
Design
- Visible features
- • Azure enamel front cover with 'Fidèle' text in white • Back cover featuring a dove and flower basket motif • Concealed dial design requiring cover release • Pendant bow and crown assembly
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 20 mm gilt full-plate calibre, hinged within the gold case. It incorporates a traditional fusee and chain drive system for power transmission. The watch uses a verge escapement and a plain brass balance. Regulation is achieved through a rack and pinion mechanism, which includes a silver plate. The movement is mounted with cylindrical pillars and features a continental-style balance cock.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The dial bears the signature, while the movement is marked with the serial number 32074. The watch has been documented in horological literature, specifically appearing in the Sandberg book on pages 426 and 427.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in an 18-karat gold, two-body 'fermée' hunting-style case. The exterior surfaces are finished with detailed enamel work. The front cover displays an azure enamel ground, bordered by white, and is decorated with engraved gold foliage and musical instrument motifs. Within a plain gold oval reserve on this cover, the word 'Fidèle' is inscribed in white. The reverse of the watch case depicts a dove resting upon an engraved flower basket. This scene is partly enamelled and set against a black ground. The white enamel dial is protected by the concealed cover. It displays black Breguet numerals for the hours and an outer track for Arabic minutes. The hands are fashioned in a 'spade' shape.
Identification
- Serial number
- 32074
- 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 source does not explicitly state the country of origin.
- Research required: The functional state of the movement is not detailed beyond the grading system.