Louis Richard Triple Detent Constant Force One Minute Tourbillon Chronometer Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1860
This 18k yellow gold pocket watch chronometer by Louis Richard dates to circa 1860 and measures 56 mm in diameter. According to Phillips, the manual-wind movement bears number 12 and case number 11846 12, featuring a triple detent constant force escapement and a one-minute tourbillon carriage.
The dial is white enamel with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The source reports that the tourbillon carriage incorporates rest, impulse, and disengagement detents, a helical hairspring, and an 'A–M' lever to lock the third wheel. Accompanied by a key, the watch was previously owned by astronomer Harlow Shapley.
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
- Tourbillon chronometer pocket watch
- Diameter
- 56mm
- Model Name
- Triple Detent Constant Force One Minute Tourbillon Chronometer
- Signatures
- Dial and movement signed; movement further engraved 'Invenit et Fecit'
- Case Number
- 11846 12
- Case Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 12
- Maker / attribution
- Louis Richard
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial signed 'Louis Richard Locle' below 12 o'clock • Radial Roman numerals, outer minute markings, and subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock • Blued steel Breguet-style hands • Polished yellow gold open-face pocket watch case with rounded pendant and bow • Accompanying gold-tone winding/setting key pictured alongside the watch
- Technical Mechanisms
- The tourbillon carriage is described as incorporating patented detents for rest, impulse, and disengagement. Maintenance features include a latch secured by a slide lever positioned between 5 and 6 o'clock. Additionally, the movement includes a lever marked 'A–M' (Arret-Marche), which allows the third wheel to be locked. This mechanism enables the removal of the tourbillon for adjustment without requiring the release of mainspring tension.
- Movement Construction
- The manual-wind movement is numbered 12 and features engravings including 'Invenit et Fecit'. According to the source report, the movement contains a one-minute tourbillon carriage and a three-arm bimetallic compensation balance with gold timing screws. The balance is free-sprung and fitted with a helical hairspring. The source describes the movement as featuring frosted gilt plates, fourteen large ruby jewels, and a matte steel bridge secured with polished steel screws. A pivoted constant force spiral is also noted.
- Case and External Identification
- This timepiece is an 18k yellow gold open-face pocket watch, measuring 56 mm in diameter. The white enamel dial is signed 'Louis Richard Locle' below 12 o'clock and features radial Roman numerals with an outer minute track. The watch is equipped with blued steel Breguet-style hands and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The case is documented with the number 11846 12. The watch is accompanied by a winding and setting key.
Identification
- Serial number
- 12
- 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 details, including the tourbillon, triple detents, helical hairspring, and stop lever, are source-reported and not visible from the dial-side photograph
- Research required: Case number and movement engravings are internal and not visible in the image