Genevan lantern-form watch with three time zones
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This lantern-form watch, unsigned and manufactured in Geneva circa 1780, is an 18 ct. vari-coloured gold object. It is distinctive for its three-body construction and three convex white enamel dials, which indicate time for three different zones.
The case features hinged top and bottom covers, with the top cover housing a winding aperture accessible via a side lever. The exterior is decorated with applied vari-coloured gold flowers and leaves. The movement is a 26.6 mm gilt metal full plate caliber with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, and a verge escapement. It utilizes a continental cock pierced and engraved with rocailles. The motion work is complex, driven by a contrate wheel mounted on the extension of the center wheel, meshing with three separate wheels to power each dial.
The object was published in the Sandberg book on pages 382-383 and bears marks including 'PG' under a coronet.
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
- Date
- circa 1780
- Type
- Form watch
- Maker
- Unsigned
- Marks
- PG under a coronet
- Material
- 18 ct. vari-coloured gold
- Movement
- Verge escapement, full plate
- Dimensions
- 38 mm length, 35 mm width
- Publication
- Sandberg book
- Place recorded
- Geneva
Design
- Visible features
- • Three identical dials with Roman numerals • Vari-coloured gold decorative leaves and flowers • Swivel pendant • Pierced and engraved continental cock
- Marks and Documentation
- The watch bears distinct manufacturing marks stamped inside the bottom cover. These consist of the initials 'PG' situated beneath a coronet, accompanied by two identical fleur de lis marks placed within a lozenge. These marks serve as the primary identifiers for the object's origin. The provenance and reference documentation for this piece include an entry in the Sandberg book, where the watch is documented on pages 382 and 383.
- Case and Exterior Design
- The watch is housed in a three-body, lantern-shaped case constructed from 18 ct. vari-coloured gold. The design includes both top and bottom hinged covers. The top cover incorporates a small winding aperture, which is revealed by activating a lever located on the side of the watch. A swivel pendant is attached to the top. The aesthetic finish of the case is achieved through applied vari-coloured gold leaves and flowers. The structure accommodates three identical convex white enamel dials, each featuring Roman numeral hour markers and outer Arabic five-minute tracks, accompanied by gold 'Louis XV' style hands.
- Movement and Technical Construction
- Internally, the movement measures 26.6 mm and consists of a gilt metal full plate with cylindrical pillars. The watch operates via a fusee and chain system with a verge escapement and a plain brass balance. The balance is protected by a continental cock which features pierced and engraved rocaille motifs. Power transmission to the three dials is achieved through a specific arrangement: a contrate wheel, mounted on an extension of the center wheel, meshes with three individual wheels. These, in turn, drive the motion work for each of the three time zone dials, which are mounted under the top cover.
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 function of three time zones is noted as potentially irrelevant for the 18th century
- Research required: The maker remains unidentified despite the 'PG' punch mark