Octagonal Pearl-Set Ring Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1820
The rectangular case features canted corners and is decorated with a border of pearls. The dial plate consists of translucent dark blue enamel accented with gold laurel branches.
It displays a small white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and minute divisions, alongside an aperture revealing the balance, which is set with diamonds and rotates against a polished steel plate. The watch measures 33 mm in length and 22 mm in width. It is powered by a rectangular brass movement, measuring 3 x 14 mm, equipped with a fixed barrel and a cylinder escapement featuring a brass escape wheel, a five-armed diamond-set balance, and a flat balance spring.
A sliding panel at the bottom of the case allows access to the winding, setting, and regulating mechanisms.
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
- Ring watch
- Maker
- Unsigned, probably Pierre Simon Gounouilhou
- Balance
- Diamond-set, five-armed
- Material
- 18K gold
- Dimensions
- 33 mm x 22 mm
- Escapement
- Cylinder
- Case design
- Rectangular with canted corners
- Place recorded
- Switzerland (Geneva)
- Maker / attribution
- Unsigned, probably Pierre Simon Gounouilhou
- Movement dimensions
- 3 x 14 mm
Design
- Visible features
- • Translucent blue enamel dial plate with gold floral application • Visible diamond-set balance wheel spinning against a steel plate • Outer border of set pearls surrounding the octagonal watch head • Shank features extended triangular terminals
- Dial and Visual Features
- The dial area is defined by a rectangular plate with canted corners finished in translucent dark blue enamel. This enamel surface is adorned with gold laurel branches. The layout is asymmetric, featuring a small white enamel dial positioned in the lower section, displaying Arabic numerals and outer minute dot divisions. Gold 'spade' hands indicate the time. A functional design element is located in the upper portion of the enamel plate, where an aperture reveals the balance. This balance is set with diamonds and rotates against a polished steel plate, allowing the movement of the escapement to be seen while the watch is worn.
- Case and Exterior Construction
- The timepiece is housed in an 18K gold octagonal case. Its design is rectangular with canted corners, specifically engineered to house the movement within the top section. The bezel is fixed with a border of pearls. The reverse or bottom portion includes a polished sliding panel that provides access to the watch's winding, setting, and regulating holes. This 18K gold octagonal ring watch is attributed to Geneva-based maker Pierre Simon Gounouilhou, dating to circa 1820. The ring band itself is integrated with the watch head through solid, extended triangular ends. These ends connect the watch assembly to the finger shank, serving as the mounting point for the watch head. The total length of the case is 33 mm with a width of 22 mm.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The movement is a rectangular brass mechanism measuring 3 mm by 14 mm. It features a fixed barrel and operates using a cylinder escapement with a brass escape wheel. The timekeeping regulation is managed by a flat balance spring. A notable component of the movement is the balance, which possesses five spiral arms and is set with diamonds. The entire assembly fits within the confines of the ring-mounted case to accommodate the compact dimensions necessary for a wearable ring watch of this period.
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: Attribution to Pierre Simon Gounouilhou is cited as 'probably' rather than certain
- Research required: The watch is unsigned, leaving the specific origin unconfirmed by maker's mark