Hoff & Fils Hunting-Cased Pocket Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This 18k yellow gold hunting-cased pocket chronometer was produced by Hoff & Fils in Switzerland, dated circa 1890. It was manufactured for the Spanish market. The watch features a manual wind movement, specifically a 19''' caliber with 3/4 plate construction.
The movement is nickel-plated and incorporates a pivoted detent escapement paired with a free-sprung spherical balance spring, sometimes described as a helical balance spring. The watch is signed by the maker on both the case and the movement. It includes a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The auction description lists the condition as including slight oxidation and scratches on the dial, with the movement noted as requiring an overhaul.
The case measures 53 mm in diameter.
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
- Detent pocket chronometer
- Maker
- Hoff & Fils
- Diameter
- 53 mm
- Condition
- Dial has slight oxidation and scratches; movement needs overhaul
- Escapement
- Pivoted detent
- Case Number
- 44002
- Case Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Movement Type
- 19''' caliber, 3/4 plate, nickel plated
- Balance Spring
- Free-sprung spherical
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Hoff & Fils
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an 18k yellow gold hunting case. The exterior features ornate engraving along the sides of the case. The dial displays a silvered finish with Roman numerals for the hour markers and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The center of the dial is decorated with an intricate floral motif. The auction description reports that the dial exhibits some oxidation and minor scratching. The overall condition grade assigned by the auction house for the case is 'Good', noting that the surface shows slight wear and scratching consistent with its age.
- Visible features
- • The dial features an ornate engraved and floral pattern at the center. • The movement is a nickel-plated 3/4 plate design. • The balance spring is a blue-tempered spherical type. • The case exhibits engraved decoration on the exterior band.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 19-ligne, nickel-plated 3/4 plate caliber containing 22 jewels. It utilizes a pivoted detent escapement, a mechanism intended for precision timekeeping. The movement is fitted with a blue-tempered, free-sprung spherical balance spring. The auction house recommends an overhaul for the movement. The signature of Hoff & Fils appears on the movement plate, which also features Geneva-style striping decoration across the plates. The movement is a manual wind caliber.
- Signatures and Attribution
- The timepiece is signed by Hoff & Fils, both on the movement and the watch case. The firm was based in Switzerland and the records indicate this specific piece was made for the Spanish market. Hoff & Fils is recognized in horological literature primarily for their production of tourbillon ebauches, although few examples of these have been documented.
Identification
- Serial number
- 44002
- 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 exact requirement for an overhaul is not specified beyond a general recommendation.
- Research required: The attribution to the Spanish market is stated by the source without providing specific archival evidence.