Les Frères Rey Silver Pair-Cased Alarm Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1720
This silver pair-cased watch by Les Frères Rey of Geneva, numbered 340, dates to approximately 1720. It features an oignon-style outer case with pierced decoration, paired with an inner bassine case featuring a split bezel, loose-ring pendant, and intricate pierced engraving depicting a mask and inhabited foliage.
The silver champlevé dial displays Roman numerals, an Arabic minute ring, a date aperture, and an inner revolving alarm setting disc, all indicated by blued steel hands and pointers. Internally, the watch utilizes a hinged, gilt brass full-plate movement equipped with Egyptian pillars, a fusee with chain, and a verge escapement. It includes a plain polished steel three-arm balance with a flat balance spring and an English-style cock with a polished steel endpiece.
The alarm mechanism functions via a bell with a fixed, engraved gilt brass barrel. The backplate bears the signature of the makers.
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 1720
- Type
- Alarm pocket watch
- Maker
- Les Frères Rey
- Case diameter
- 59 mm
- Movement type
- Hinged gilt brass full plate with Egyptian pillars
- Serial Number
- 340
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial description
- Silver champleve with Roman numerals and Arabic minutes
- Provenance status
- Described as the earliest known watch by the makers
- Maker / attribution
- Les Frères Rey
Design
- Casing and Dial
- The object consists of a silver pair case design. The outer case is an oignon type, featuring intricate pierced decorative work. The inner case is of the bassine variety, fitted with a split bezel and a loose-ring pendant. The inner case surface is finished with finely pierced and engraved detailing, which includes a central mask motif surrounded by inhabited foliage. The dial is constructed of silver champlevé. It features Roman numerals for the hours and an outer Arabic numeral ring for the minutes. A central date aperture and an internal revolving disc allow for the setting and reading of the alarm function.
- Visible features
- • Pierced pattern on the outer oignon case back • Date aperture located near the twelve o'clock position • Inner revolving disc for setting the alarm • Large loose-ring pendant attached to the case
- Historical Context
- The makers, Les Frères Rey, were established in Geneva. Historical records indicate that the brothers were appointed as Masters and maintained a professional partnership as early as 1710. The auction description suggests this specific timepiece represents the earliest known example of a watch bearing the signature of Les Frères Rey.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement is a hinged, gilt brass full-plate design secured by Egyptian-style pillars. Power is supplied by a fusee and chain mechanism. The escapement is a verge type, incorporating a plain, polished steel three-arm balance and a flat balance spring. The balance cock is executed in an English style, featuring a polished steel endpiece. The alarm function is designed to strike on a bell, driven by a fixed, engraved gilt brass barrel. The makers have signed the movement on the backplate.
Identification
- Serial number
- 340
- 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: Attribution to being the earliest known watch with this signature is a claim made by the auction house.
- Research required: The full interior movement components are not visible in the provided photograph.