Jules Jürgensen Hunting-Cased Keyless Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1885
This large hunting-cased pocket watch, attributed to Jules Jürgensen, Danemark, dates to circa 1885. The timepiece is constructed with an 18k pink gold case and features an enamel dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet hands.
The movement is a manual-wind, 17-jewel caliber measuring 20 lignes. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement with an elongated fork, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. A notable technical feature is the patented hand-setting mechanism, which is activated by folding the bow down against the watch glass. The crown serves for winding in its standard position and for setting the hands when the bow is depressed.
The watch measures 56 mm in diameter. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by the maker. The auction description reports the watch is in very good condition, with slight scratches noted on the case.
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 1885
- Type
- Hunting-cased keyless pocket watch
- Maker
- Jules Jürgensen
- Diameter
- 56 mm
- Material
- 18k pink gold
- Place recorded
- Denmark
- Movement Jewels
- 17
- Case Serial Number
- 14309
- Maker / attribution
- Jules Jürgensen
- Movement Serial Number
- 14309
Design
- Visible features
- • Enamel dial with black Roman numerals • Blued steel Breguet-style hands • Small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock • Hunting case style with gold bow
- Signatures and Grading
- The object is identified by the movement and case serial number 14309. The signature of Jules Jürgensen is present across the primary horological components, including the dial, the case, and the internal movement bridge. The auction house assigns the watch a grading of AA, indicating a 'Very good' overall condition rating. The case and dial are independently graded within their system, reflecting the preservation of the enamel dial and the integrity of the gold casing despite the noted presence of slight surface scratches.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in an 18k pink gold hunting case, measuring 56 mm in diameter. The dial is finished in white enamel and is marked with black Roman numeral hour markers and a secondary chapter ring for the seconds at the six o'clock position. The hands are executed in blued steel in the Breguet style, providing a high-contrast aesthetic against the enamel surface. The signature "Jules Jürgensen, Copenhagen" is prominently displayed on the dial. According to the auction report, the case exhibits minor surface wear, described specifically as being slightly scratched, while the dial is classified as being in very good condition.
- Movement and Patented Mechanism
- The timepiece is powered by a 20-ligne manual-wind movement, which contains 17 jewels. Technical specifications include a straight-line lever escapement fitted with an elongated fork. Timing is controlled by a cut bimetallic compensation balance paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. A large index regulator is mounted on the center bridge and includes an engraved scale. The watch employs a patented hand-setting system developed by Jules Jürgensen. Operation requires the user to lift the glass cover and depress the pendant bow, folding it against the glass. In this specific configuration, the winding crown functions to set the hands rather than winding the mainspring. In all other positions, the crown performs its standard winding function.
Identification
- Serial number
- 14309
- 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: Mechanism for hand-setting relies on a specific interaction with the watch glass
- Research required: Exact extent of wear or surface degradation beyond 'slightly scratched' is not specified