Maar Bier Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This 18K gold keyless pocket watch is a minute-repeating chronograph produced by Maar Bier, attributed to Swiss manufacture circa 1900. The watch is defined by its substantial 63 mm diameter and is housed in a four-body bassine case featuring engraved coats of arms on both the front and back covers.
The movement is a 23 ligne caliber, featuring frosted gilt finish, 23 jewels, a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement, and a bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The watch provides minute repetition via gongs activated by a slide located on the band. The white enamel dial is equipped with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, a concentric fifths of a second track calibrated to 300 units, and gold Louis XV hands.
The watch is accompanied by a fitted rosewood storage box. Technical details are inscribed on the internal hinged gold cuvette.
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
- Minute repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Maar Bier
- Case Type
- Four-body bassine
- Jewel Count
- 23
- Case Diameter
- 63 mm
- Case Material
- 18K Gold
- Patent Number
- 217679
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Included Accessory
- Fitted rosewood box
- Maker / attribution
- Maar Bier
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is constructed with an 18K gold, four-body, massive bassine-style case measuring 63 mm in diameter. The exterior is heavily decorated, with the front and back covers both featuring deeply engraved coats of arms. Access to the movement is provided through a hinged gold cuvette, which is engine-turned at the border and carries an inscription of the watch's technical specifications. A glazed gold-rimmed inner cover allows for viewing of the movement. The white enamel dial features a traditional layout with radial Roman numerals for the hours. The perimeter of the dial includes an outer minute track alongside a concentric scale measuring fifths of a second, which is calibrated to 300 units for chronograph utility. The subsidiary seconds dial sits at the bottom, and the time is indicated by gold Louis XV hands.
- Visible features
- • Engraved coat of arms on the external case cover. • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds at the six o'clock position. • Louis XV style hands. • Slide mechanism on the case band for repeating function.
- Condition and Attribution
- The watch is attributed to Maar Bier of Swiss origin, dating to approximately 1900. The hands are original to the watch. The object is sold with a fitted rosewood box. The cuvette is signed by the maker.
- Movement and Repeating Mechanism
- The movement is a 23-ligne caliber finished in frosted gilt. It incorporates blued steel chronograph work and decoration. The watch features a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring, with regulation controlled by an index regulator. The minute-repeating function is operated by a slide located on the side of the case band. When activated, the mechanism utilizes blued steel hammers to strike on gongs integrated into the watch. The movement uses 23 jewels.
Identification
- Reference
- Patent No. 217679
- 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 auction description recommends an overhaul for the movement.
- Research required: The identity of the coat of arms depicted is not specified.