Gregson Paris Spindle Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
2nd half of the 18th century
This 18th-century silver pocket watch is signed by the watchmaker Gregson, Paris. Dating to the second half of the 18th century, the timepiece features a full-plate movement equipped with a verge escapement and a fusee chain system.
The movement is marked with the serial number 9360 and includes an openwork, florally decorated verge balance cock. The white enamelled dial is finished with Arabic numerals and paired with blued pear-shaped hands. The case back is hallmarked internally with the designation AC 211. Measuring 55 mm in diameter and 24 mm in thickness, the watch is manually wound by a key, which is included with the object. The auction description reports that the movement is in working order and the overall condition is consistent with the age of the item.
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
- 2nd half of the 18th century
- Dial
- Enamelled with Arabic numerals
- Type
- Spindle pocket watch
- Maker
- Gregson Paris
- Condition
- Working
- Dimensions
- 24 x 55 mm (HxD)
- Case Hallmark
- AC 211
- Movement type
- Full plate verge with fusee
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Gregson
Design
- Visible features
- • The movement features a highly detailed, openwork balance cock with floral motifs. • The dial displays Arabic numerals and a small winding aperture. • The case band exhibits fine engine-turned or milled texturing. • The hands are distinctively shaped, commonly referred to as 'pear' hands.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The mechanism utilizes a verge escapement paired with a chain and fusee assembly to regulate power delivery from the mainspring. A notable feature of the movement is the balance cock, which is executed in an openwork design decorated with floral engravings. The movement is designed for manual key-winding, and the auction description confirms that the watch is functional.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description characterizes the condition of the watch as 'good age-appropriate condition'. As an 18th-century piece, wear is expected; however, the mechanical integrity of the verge movement is reported to be intact. The watch is attributed to the workshop of Gregson in Paris. While the source describes the maker as a 'Royal watchmaker', no specific documentary evidence is provided to substantiate this title, though it is used as the primary descriptor for the lot.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in a silver case, which measures 55 mm in diameter and 24 mm in depth. The exterior features a distinct milled pattern around the case band. Internally, the back cover is stamped with the hallmark 'AC 211'. The dial is composed of white enamel, which provides a contrasting background for the painted Arabic numerals. Time is indicated by a pair of blued pear-shaped hands. A winding aperture is positioned on the dial to accommodate the key, which is provided with the lot.
Identification
- Serial number
- 9360
- 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 does not clarify if the hallmarks present are for silver purity or maker identification.
- Research required: The exact metallurgical composition of the case is stated as silver, but the finish appears to have a golden hue in the provided image.
- Research required: The attribution to 'Royal watchmaker' is provided by the source but lacks supporting historical documentation within the text.