Gilbert in Paris gold and gem-set quarter-repeating verge pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
According to the source, this French verge pocket watch dates to circa 1780 and is signed by Gilbert in Paris. Measuring 39 mm in diameter and 9 mm in depth, the watch features a three-color gold case with an oval garden tableau in relief showing a dog barking toward birds near a pedestal and foliage.
The vendor reports a full-plate gilt fusee movement with a pierced and engraved balance cock, plain three-arm balance, blued steel hairspring, and silver regulator disc. The quarter-repeating mechanism is plunge-activated via the pendant to strike an interior bell, assisted by an 'a toc' mute repeating function.
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
- Quarter-repeating verge pocket watch
- Depth
- 9 mm
- Maker
- Gilbert in Paris
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Place recorded
- France
- Case decoration
- Three-color gold with garden scene showing a dog barking at a bird
- Approximate date
- Circa 1780
- Maker / attribution
- Gilbert
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular watch case back decorated in multi-color gold chasing in high relief. • Central scene depicts a dog looking and barking upward at birds perched on and above a classical pedestal, flanked by trees and an overturned urn. • Outer border features chased drapery swags, ribbon bowknots, and reeded engine-turned banding. • Long pendant stem with cylindrical collar and rounded bow extends from the top of the case. • Hinge knuckle visible on the right edge and catch release or slide on the left edge.
- Attribution and Dial
- The watch is attributed to 'Gilbert in Paris' and dated to circa 1780. The dial is described as white enamel with Arabic numerals and gem-set hands. These details regarding the dial and internal movement are based on seller claims and have not been independently verified, as only the case back is visible in the provided imagery.
- Case Construction and Aesthetics
- The watch features a three-color gold case with a reported diameter of 39 mm and a depth of 9 mm. The case back is decorated with an oval garden scene in relief, depicting a dog barking at a bird. The bezel is decorated with gold accents and a row of white stones. The case is perforated to allow the internal bell sound to be heard and includes a pendant stem for operating the repeating mechanism.
- Movement and Repeating Mechanism
- The seller reports the watch contains a full-plate gilt fusee movement featuring a pierced and engraved balance cock, a simple three-arm gold balance, a blued steel hairspring, and a silver regulator disc. The quarter-repeating mechanism is activated by the pendant and strikes a bell inside the case. The watch also includes an 'a toc' button and a slide control for a silent repeating function.
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: Only the case back is visible in the provided image; dial, movement, and gem-set front bezel are not depicted.
- Research required: All mechanical specifications and maker signature are reported by the source seller rather than directly verifiable from the photo.