L'Epine 18K Varicolored Gold Pendant Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1770
This pendant watch is attributed to L'Epine, Hger du Roy, a Paris, and dates to circa 1770. It features a two-body, 18K varicolored gold case measuring 30 mm in diameter.
The back of the case is decorated with an applied varicolored gold flower basket and a dog, set within a green gold laurel leaf frame. An engine-turned ring separates this central motif from the outer green gold floral decoration, and the bezels incorporate an applied gold pattern. The watch is powered by a hinged, 24 mm gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars. It utilizes a fusee and chain mechanism, a verge escapement with micrometric potence adjustment, and a plain brass three-arm balance with a flat balance spring.
The movement includes a continental cock and a silver regulation dial. The white enamel dial features radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track with Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals.
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
- Pendant watch
- Maker
- L'Epine, Hger du Roy, a Paris
- Materials
- 18K varicolored gold
- Case Diameter
- 30 mm
- Dial Features
- White enamel with radial Roman numerals
- Movement Type
- Gilt brass full plate with verge escapement
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Diameter
- 24 mm
- Winding Mechanism
- Winding aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock
- Maker / attribution
- L'Epine
Design
- Dial and Hands
- An outer track provides five-minute Arabic numerals for increased legibility. A winding aperture is positioned between 1 and 2 o'clock on the dial surface. The watch is equipped with gold Louis XV style hands. The dial itself is signed, and the watch retains its original hands, according to the auction description reports.
- Visible features
- • Case back features a decorative dog and flower basket • Engine-turned decoration on the case back • Gold Louis XV style hands visible on the dial • Pendant bow located at 12 o'clock
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece is driven by a hinged movement measuring 24 mm in diameter. This movement is a gilt brass full plate construction supported by cylindrical pillars. It functions via a fusee and chain system. The escapement is a verge type, incorporating a micrometric potence adjustment and a continental cock. The balance is a plain brass three-arm variety, paired with a flat balance spring and a silver regulation dial. The movement is signed, though the specific placement of the signature is not detailed beyond the general attribution.
- Case and Exterior Decoration
- The watch is housed in a two-body case constructed of 18K varicolored gold. The back of the piece is articulated with an applied relief depicting a flower basket positioned behind a dog, which is framed by a laurel leaf motif in green gold. An engine-turned ring serves as a border for the central scene, extending to an outer ring of floral decoration in green gold. The bezels of the case are adorned with an applied gold repeated pattern, contributing to the overall decorative scheme of the pendant. A pendant bow is fixed to the top of the case for attachment. The watch measures 30 mm in diameter.
Identification
- 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 provenance beyond a 'Swiss Gentleman' is not provided
- Research required: Specific condition of the enamel dial is only broadly described by the auction house