H. R. Ekegren 18k gold pocket chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1916
This keyless pocket chronometer, identified by serial number 84522, is attributed to the maker H. R. Ekegren of Geneva, with production credited to E. Koehn for the retailer J.
E. Caldwell & Co. of Philadelphia, circa 1916. The watch features an 18-karat gold, three-body polished case with an inset hinge and a gold cuvette containing a dedication dated 1916. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals and a sunk subsidiary seconds dial, accompanied by blued steel Breguet-style hands. Internally, the 18-ligne rhodium-plated movement is built with 21 jewels set in blue sapphires. Technical components include a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement, a brass-invar Guillaume balance, eight adjustments, and a blued steel balance spring with a terminal curve and swan-neck micrometric index.
Signatures are present on the dial, case, and movement. The watch measures 51 mm in diameter and is reported by the auction description to be in very good condition.
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
- Keyless pocket chronometer
- Maker
- H. R. Ekegren, Geneva (made by E. Koehn)
- Balance
- Brass-invar Guillaume balance
- Diameter
- 51 mm
- Movement
- 18-ligne, rhodium plated, 21 jewels
- Case type
- Three body, massive, polished with inset hinge
- Escapement
- Counterpoised straight line lever
- Dial details
- White enamel with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- H. R. Ekegren, Geneva (made by E. Koehn)
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an 18-karat gold case described as a massive, three-body construction with a polished finish and an inset hinge. A gold cuvette, which is an inner protective cover, features an engraving commemorating a dedication dated 1916. The white enamel dial serves as the face of the instrument and utilizes Roman numerals for time indication. It includes a recessed, or sunk, subsidiary seconds dial positioned towards the bottom. The time is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds • Polished gold case with bow and crown • Signed 'H. R. Ekegren Geneva' on the dial • Subsidiary dial positioned at six o'clock
- Movement and Escapement
- The chronometer is powered by an 18-ligne, rhodium-plated movement. It incorporates 21 jewels, which are specifically noted as being set in blue sapphires. The timekeeping regulation is managed via a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement paired with a brass-invar Guillaume balance. Refinement of the timing is achieved through a blued steel balance spring that features a terminal curve and a swan-neck micrometric index for precision adjustment. The movement is documented to have undergone eight adjustments to ensure performance accuracy.
- Signatures and Condition
- The object carries formal signatures identifying the various entities involved in its creation, specifically marked on the dial, the case, and the movement itself. Regarding its physical state, the auction description reports that the object is in very good condition.
Identification
- Serial number
- 84522
- 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: Dedication engraving on cuvette content is not provided
- Research required: Specific movement adjustment conditions are not listed