Lepaute 18th-century gold pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century
This 18th-century French pocket watch is housed in an 18-karat gold case measuring 4.5 cm in diameter. The source reports indistinct hallmarks on the case and a white enamel dial marked 'Lepaute'.
Visible in the hinged open assembly is a gilt movement signed 'Lepaute No 428' and 'au Luxembourgs'. The top plate features an intricately pierced and engraved floral balance cock, blued steel screws, and a silvered regulator disc graduated 1 through 6. Elaborate chased or repoussé scroll and wave motifs decorate the exterior and interior of the gold case and bezel.
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
- Open-face pocket watch
- Diameter
- 4.5 cm
- Case material
- 18k gold
- Case hallmarks
- Indistinct hallmarks
- Dial signature
- Lepaute
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement signature
- Lepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs
- Maker / attribution
- Lepaute
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged gilt movement swung out to display the top plate, balance cock, and regulator assembly • Gilt plate engraved with 'Lepaute No 428' and 'au Luxembourgs' • Openwork balance cock pierced with dense floral and scroll motifs, flanked by blued steel screws • Silvered regulator dial disc calibrated with numbers 1 to 6 • Wavy chased or fluted scrollwork decorating the outer case and inner bezel flange
- Dial and Documentation Limits
- The catalog records a white enamel dial marked 'Lepaute'. However, the dial is not visible in the provided photograph, which depicts only the opened case and the top plate of the movement. Details regarding the underlying escapement type, train wheel arrangement, and functional mechanical condition are not recorded in this source.
- Movement Architecture and Signatures
- The gilt movement plate is engraved with the signature 'Lepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs'. The auction listing dates the watch to the 18th century, adding background context regarding the Lepaute watchmaking dynasty in Paris with a workshop associated with the Luxembourg Palace. Visual inspection of the swung-out movement reveals an openwork balance cock pierced with dense floral and scroll motifs and flanked by blued steel screws. An inset silvered regulator dial disc is graduated with numerals 1 through 6.
- Case Construction and Exterior Ornament
- The auction catalog describes the pocket watch as cased in 18k gold with a diameter of 4.5 cm. The source notes that the case bears indistinct hallmarks, so specific assay, wardens', or maker stamps are not recorded in this source. Visual observation shows fluted or wavy chased scrollwork ornamenting the outer case and the inner bezel flange. The gilt movement is hinged to swing away from the case assembly.
Identification
- Serial number
- 428
- 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 white enamel dial reported by the auction catalogue is not visible in the provided photograph.
- Research required: Hallmarks are reported as indistinct in the auction description.