Jacques-Frédéric Houriet Silver Pocket Chronometer No. 90
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1825
This silver pocket chronometer, identified as number 90 and attributed to Jacques-Frédéric Houriet, dates to circa 1825. Measuring 62 mm in diameter, the object features a massive three-body "bassine et filets" polished case.
The white enamel dial is marked with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute ring, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a Réaumur temperature sector positioned at the 12 o'clock marker. It uses blued steel Breguet-style hands. The 53.4 mm frosted gilt movement is a three-quarter plate construction utilizing cylindrical pillars and a fusee with Harrison’s maintaining power. The gear train is constructed of gold, and the escapement is an Earnshaw-type spring detent.
The watch includes a two-arm compensation balance with sliding weights and a free-sprung blued-steel helical balance spring. A Réaumur thermometer, an invention credited to Houriet, is integrated into the timekeeping display.
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 chronometer
- Maker
- Jacques-Frédéric Houriet
- Escapement
- Earnshaw-type spring detent
- Jewel Count
- 16 jewels
- Thermometer
- Réaumur
- Case Diameter
- 62 mm
- Serial Number
- 90
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Diameter
- 53.4 mm
- Maker / attribution
- Jacques-Frédéric Houriet
Design
- Visible features
- • Case style identified as 'bassine et filets' • Presence of a Réaumur thermometer sector on the dial • Movement includes a gold train and cylindrical pillars • Large balance wheel with graduated rim for temperature adjustment
- Case and Dial Design
- The silver case of this pocket chronometer is designed as a three-body construction with a polished "bassine et filets" finish. The overall diameter of the case measures 62 mm. It houses a hinged gilt brass cuvette which is engraved with technical information relating to the watch. The dial is rendered in white enamel and features radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track for timekeeping. Notably, the dial incorporates a temperature sector at the 12 o'clock position, related to the integrated Réaumur thermometer. The watch is fitted with blued steel Breguet hands for hour and minute indication, and a subsidiary dial for seconds.
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a 53.4 mm frosted gilt movement of three-quarter plate configuration. The movement is secured by cylindrical pillars held with screws. A fusee with chain and Harrison’s maintaining power provides energy, and the gear train is composed of gold wheels. The escapement is an Earnshaw-type spring detent, which is supported by a micrometric U-shaped steel bracket for adjusting the depth of engagement for the locking jeweled pin and escape wheel. The balance assembly features a two-arm compensation design with two wedged sliding weights and two gold timing screws. The rim of the balance is graduated for temperature adjustment. The movement contains 16 jewels and operates at 21,600 beats per hour. It is presently fitted with a later free-sprung blued-steel helical balance spring.
- Provenance and Authentication
- The watch is numbered 90, and the pillar plate beneath the dial contains the punched "FH" mark identifying it as the work of Jacques-Frédéric Houriet. The case and movement are both given a grade of 3, described as 'Good' in the cataloging system provided by the auction house.
Identification
- Serial number
- 90
- 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: Maker of the case marked '?M.F.?' is unverified
- Research required: Status of the blued-steel helical balance spring is noted as 'later'
- Research required: The auction description reports the need for an overhaul