Jules Jürgensen 18K Pink Gold Minute-Repeater Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1871-1873
This hunting-case pocket watch is constructed in 18K pink gold and features a minute-repeater mechanism striking on two steel gongs, activated by a slide at the 4 o'clock position.
The timepiece incorporates a patented hand-setting system developed by Jules Jürgensen; this mechanism involves lifting a glass cover and folding the pendant bow down against the glass to engage the winding crown for hand-setting, while in other positions the crown functions for winding. The dial features subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock and Roman numeral hour markers. Records from the Jules Jürgensen manufacture books, currently held at the Château des Monts in Le Locle, confirm the production of this watch, serial number 12 666, and identify the components contributing to its total production cost.
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
- Minute repeater pocket watch
- Maker
- Jules Jürgensen
- Diameter
- 54 mm
- Escapement
- Lever
- Case Material
- 18K Pink Gold
- Serial Number
- 12 666
- Place recorded
- Copenhagen and Le Locle
- Production Cost
- 1066.45 Francs
- Movement Calibre
- 19 ligne
- Maker / attribution
- Jules Jürgensen
Design
- Case and Dial
- The pocket watch is housed in an 18K pink gold hunting-case measuring 54 mm in diameter. The design includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock on the enamel dial, which features Roman numeral hour markers and is signed for Jules Jürgensen. The auction description reports that the dial exhibits a hairline crack, and the gold case shows evidence of slight scratching. The overall condition of the dial is graded as good within the auction house's system.
- Visible features
- • Hunting-case design • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock • Movement serial number 12 666 inscribed on bridge • Two steel repeater gongs visible in movement view
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement features a minute-repeater mechanism that strikes on two steel gongs, which is engaged via a slide located on the side of the case at the 4 o'clock position. The movement incorporates a patented hand-setting system. By throwing up the glass cover and folding the pendant bow down onto the glass, the winding crown becomes engaged for setting the time. When the bow is in any other position, the crown functions as a traditional winding mechanism.
- Provenance and Documentation
- Documentation for this watch, including its serial number 12 666, is preserved in the Jules Jürgensen manufacture books, which are currently housed at the horological museum at the Château des Monts in Le Locle. These records detail the craftsmen involved in the assembly and note the final production cost of the watch to be 1,066.45 Francs. The watch is accompanied by copies of the original invention patents related to its specific keyless-winding and stem-setting features.
Identification
- Serial number
- 12 666
- 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: Movement ebauche is only 'probably' attributed to Piguet & Lecoultre
- Research required: Condition reports ('slightly scratched') are based on the auction house grading system