Swiss Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1810
This unsigned Swiss pocket watch dates to circa 1810 and is a minute-repeating instrument. It features a four-body case in the Empire style, distinguished by a fluted band and a polished back.
The movement is housed in a 53 mm frame and is constructed with a frosted gilt full plate featuring cylindrical pillars, powered by a fusee and chain. The escapement is of the virgule type, paired with a brass balance and flat balance spring. The repeating mechanism operates on the Le Roy system, activated by depressing the pendant, and incorporates an unusual surprise mechanism to manage the minute striking. The white enamel dial displays Breguet-style numerals, an outer minute track, and a winding aperture located between the 1 and 2 o'clock positions.
The watch is fitted with gold 'double crescent' hands. The overall diameter of the timepiece is 60 mm.
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
- Case
- Four-body, Empire, fluted band
- Dial
- White enamel, Breguet numerals
- Type
- Repeating watch
- Maker
- Unsigned
- Diameter
- 60 mm
- Movement
- 53 mm, frosted gilt full plate
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Repeating Mechanism
- Le Roy system
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with Breguet numerals • Winding aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock • Gold double crescent hands • Four-body Empire case with fluted band
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement measures 53 mm and is a frosted gilt full plate configuration with cylindrical pillars. Power is provided via a fusee and chain. The timekeeping is regulated by a virgule escapement, a brass balance, and a flat balance spring. The repeating function is activated by depressing the pendant and strikes on gongs. The system is based on the Le Roy mechanism, notable for its use of an unusual surprise mechanism rather than a fixed star wheel, which was the conventional later standard.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is encased in a four-body construction described as Empire style. It features a fluted band around the case circumference and a polished back. A hinged gilt cuvette is attached to a plate that is mounted directly to the movement. The dial is composed of white enamel and displays Breguet numerals. An outer minute division track is present. The watch features a winding aperture positioned between the 1 and 2 o'clock markers, accompanied by gold hands in a double crescent design.
- Repeating Technical Function
- The watch utilizes an early minute-repeating mechanism. Unlike later designs using fixed stars to manage the hour-repeating change, this piece employs a movable star wheel. The minute cam is mounted on a 60-tooth ratchet wheel, which is controlled by a jump spring. This wheel turns loosely on the canon pinion for approximately 10 degrees. The jump spring induces a 3-degree jump every minute, which facilitates the rapid change of the repeating mode at the 60th minute.
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: The watch is unsigned
- Research required: Condition reports suggest an overhaul is recommended