H. GrandJean et Cie. Perpetual Calendar Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This astronomical pocket watch, attributed to H. GrandJean et Cie. of Locle and London, dates to approximately 1870. The 53 mm timepiece is housed in an 18K gold four-body case with an engine-turned back and an engraved hinged cuvette.
It functions as a keyless astronomical watch featuring a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and a center seconds mechanism. The white enamel dial incorporates radial Roman numerals and subsidiary dials for the days of the week, months, and a leap year cycle, alongside the date. The movement is a 43 mm frosted gilt, half-plate design, utilizing a center fourth wheel and a straight-line lever escapement with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance and a blued steel helical balance spring.
A notable feature is the early quick-date setting mechanism, operated by a small pin located near the pendant, which serves to advance the perpetual calendar.
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
- Perpetual calendar pocket watch
- Maker
- H. GrandJean et Cie.
- Diameter
- 53 mm
- Material
- 18K gold
- Escapement
- Straight line calibrated lever escapement
- Serial number
- 549
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement caliber
- 43 mm (19''')
- Maker / attribution
- H. GrandJean et Cie.
Design
- Visible features
- • Small pin for quick-date adjustment positioned near the pendant. • Movement features a prominent blued steel helical balance spring. • Dial includes three subsidiary sunk dials and a moon phase aperture.
- Signatures and Condition
- The object is signed on the dial, the case, and the movement, confirming the attribution to H. GrandJean et Cie. These signatures are consistent with the Locle and London locations cited in the auction documentation. The auction description reports the watch's condition using a grading system where the case is rated as a 3-14 and the dial as a 3-01.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The pocket watch is presented in an 18K gold four-body case, designated as 'bassine et filets'. The back of the case displays engine-turned decoration, and the interior includes a gold hinged cuvette engraved with foliage patterns. A distinctive mechanical feature is a small pin located to the left of the pendant, which is designed to engage the quick-date change mechanism for the perpetual calendar. The white enamel dial features radial Roman numerals with red Arabic markers for five-minute and five-second intervals at the periphery. It contains three sunken subsidiary dials that show the days of the week, the date in a leap year cycle, and the months. A central aperture indicates the phases of the moon, and the watch is fitted with gold 'spade' hands.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The movement, measuring 43 mm or 19 lignes, is a frosted gilt half-plate construction. The gear train is arranged to position the fourth wheel in the center of the plate to accommodate the center seconds complication. The regulation system utilizes a straight-line lever escapement paired with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance. A key horological feature of the movement is the blued steel helical balance spring, which includes terminal curves. The perpetual calendar mechanism is integrated with a specific design that allows the date to be set at the top for rapid adjustment, which the auction description identifies as an early application of quick-date setting technology.
Identification
- Serial number
- 549
- 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 claim that this is the earliest calendar watch with quick date set known is attributed to the auction house.
- Research required: Auction description advises that an overhaul is recommended for the movement.