Henri Laresche and Henri Robert Alarm Mechanism for a Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1840
This brass and steel pocket watch alarm mechanism is attributed by the source to Henri Laresche and Henri Robert, Paris, dating to circa 1840. The standalone apparatus is designed to receive a pocket watch placed centrally on a padded rest after opening the watch's glass bezel.
At the passage of the selected hour, the mechanism triggers and sounds a bell situated beneath the plate. The unit features an affixed silvered cartouche inscribed with the Galerie de Valois, Palais Royal address, an engraved movement number 2 168, an indexed dial with a star wheel, and an accompanying winding key.
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
- Pocket watch alarm attachment
- Origin
- Paris (Galerie de Valois, Palais Royal, No. 164)
- Weight
- 230 gr. (approx.)
- Material
- Brass and steel
- Dimensions
- 52.4 x 67.5 x 57.6 mm
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Number
- 2 168
- Maker / attribution
- Henri Laresche and Henri Robert
Design
- Visible features
- • A circular brown cloth or felt pad is centered on the brass plate to cushion the watch. • An oval silvered cartouche is fixed at the upper corner inscribed 'GALERIE DE VALOIS / PALAIS ROYAL / No 164'. • A calibrated circular index dial is fitted with a central star-shaped wheel and contact finger. • A separate brass and steel winding key accompanies the mechanism. • The movement number '2 168' is engraved into the upper stepped brass plate.
- Identity and Attribution
- The auction catalog attributes this brass and steel alarm mechanism to Henri Laresche and Henri Robert, Paris, dating the object to circa 1840. The catalog also records a signature on the case positioned inside a silvered metal cartouche. Observation of the physical unit shows an oval silvered cartouche affixed to the upper corner inscribed 'GALERIE DE VALOIS / PALAIS ROYAL / No 164', alongside the engraved movement number '2 168' on the upper stepped brass plate.
- Dial Display and Accessories
- Visible on the upper brass assembly is a calibrated circular index dial fitted with a central star-shaped wheel and a contact finger. The mechanism is shown with an accompanying standalone brass and steel winding key.
- Physical Configuration and Operation
- The piece is constructed from brass and steel, measuring 52.4 x 67.5 x 57.6 mm and weighing approximately 230 grams according to catalog measurements. It is structured as an auxiliary alarm platform intended to hold a pocket watch. A circular brown cloth or felt pad is centered on the brass plate to support the pocket watch. The catalog states that the watch is positioned after opening its glass bezel, and at the passage of the chosen hour, the mechanism triggers and strikes a bell placed beneath the unit.
Identification
- Serial number
- 2 168
- 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 bell situated beneath the base plate is largely hidden from this overhead perspective.
- Research required: Operating compatibility and specific pocket watch dimensions are not detailed in the source text.