J. Trilla Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This keyless minute-repeating pocket watch, produced circa 1890 by J. Trilla in Genève, features an 18K multicolored gold case of a five-body bassine et filets construction.
The front of the case is decorated with an applied rose gold tiger fighting a serpent set against a jungle background, while the case back displays foliate engraving. The band and bezels are finished with a repeated pattern. Inside, the watch is fitted with a gold hinged cuvette. The white enamel dial is set with painted radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions with 5-minute Arabic markers, and a subsidiary sunk seconds dial.
The nickel-finished movement, measuring 47 mm (21 lignes), is damascened in a wavy pattern and includes 32 jewels, a straight-line calibrated lever escapement, a cut-bimetallic compensation balance, and a Breguet palladium balance spring. The repeating mechanism is activated by a slide on the band. The dial, case, and movement are signed.
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
- circa 1890
- Type
- Minute repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- J. Trilla, Genève
- Jewels
- 32
- Escapement
- Straight line calibrated lever
- Case material
- 18K multicolored gold
- Serial number
- 20883
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial description
- White enamel
- Movement calibre
- 47 mm (21 lignes)
- Maker / attribution
- J. Trilla
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an 18K multicolored gold five-body case of the bassine et filets type. The case back is finished with foliate engraving, and the band and bezels feature a repetitive engraved pattern. A gold hinged cuvette protects the internal movement. The dial is crafted from white enamel and features painted radial Roman numerals. It incorporates an outer track for minute divisions, accented with 5-minute Arabic markers at each interval. A subsidiary sunk seconds dial is positioned on the main dial surface. The case, dial, and movement are fully signed by the maker.
- Visible features
- • Applied rose gold relief of tiger and serpent on the front cover • Engraved foliate pattern on the case back • Repeating slide mechanism visible on the case band • Radial Roman numerals on the white enamel dial
- Movement and Mechanics
- The movement is a 47 mm, 21-ligne nickel caliber, distinguished by a damascened wavy pattern across its plates. It is a keyless, minute-repeating caliber containing 32 jewels. The watch utilizes a straight-line calibrated lever escapement paired with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance. To regulate the timing, the movement is equipped with a Breguet palladium balance spring. The minute-repeating function is operated via a slide integrated into the side of the case, which activates the gongs to chime the time.
- Condition and Attribution
- The object is attributed to the Genevan maker J. Trilla and is dated to circa 1890. The auction house has provided a grading assessment for the individual components of the watch, specifically assigning grades for the case, movement, and dial. The dial and case components are catalogued under the firm's specific grading system.
Identification
- Serial number
- 20883
- 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 report suggests a good condition but notes an overhaul is recommended
- Research required: The exact gold karat composition for the 'multicolored' aspects is not specified beyond the 18K housing