Turquoise Set Gold Swiss Verge Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This open-face Swiss pocket watch dates to the early 19th century. The case is constructed from 18-karat gold in three colors, featuring a relief decoration of a flower basket on the back cover.
The exterior is further ornamented with set turquoise stones. The bezel is spring-loaded, released via a button in the pendant. The watch features a gold dial with engine-turned decoration, Roman numerals, and blue steel hands. Winding is performed through a hole in the dial. The movement is a gilt-finish full-plate fusee caliber equipped with a verge escapement. It includes a pierced and engraved balance bridge, a simple three-arm gold balance, a blue steel balance spring, and a silver regulator plate with a blue steel indicator.
The watch uses a steel endstone located at the end of the balance axis. Condition reports suggest potential missing or darkened turquoise stones and potential wear to the chain mechanism.
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
- Verge & pair-cased watch
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Movement type
- Gilt fusee movement
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial decoration
- Engine turned
- Winding mechanism
- Key-wind from dial
- Maker / attribution
- Pieces of Time
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an 18-karat open-face case constructed from three colors of gold. The case back features a prominent relief depiction of a flower basket, surrounded by floral motifs. Further decoration is provided by set turquoise stones applied to the case back and the bezel. The front bezel is spring-loaded and operates via a push-button mechanism integrated into the winding pendant. The dial is also crafted from gold and displays engine-turned (guilloché) patterns. It is marked with Roman numerals for the hours and fitted with blue steel hands. Winding is achieved by inserting a key through an aperture positioned on the dial. The outer rim surrounding the dial is further embellished with botanical motifs and additional turquoise inlays.
- Visible features
- • Case decorated with three-color gold floral relief and turquoise settings • Engine-turned gold dial with Roman numerals • Blue steel hands • Pierced and engraved balance bridge on the movement
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a traditional full-plate design with gilt finish and features a fusee and chain drive. The balance cock is intricately pierced and engraved. A steel endstone is present at the end of the balance axis. The balance assembly utilizes a simple three-arm gold balance wheel paired with a blue steel spiral balance spring. Regulation is adjusted using a silver regulator plate, which features a blue steel indicator pointer. The movement is configured with a verge escapement, consistent with its early 19th-century origin. The source indicates that the integrity of the fusee chain and the originality of the movement components require further inspection by the collector.
- Condition and Observations
- Visual inspection of the provided photographs suggests that the decorative turquoise elements on the exterior and bezel may have suffered losses or display darkening in certain areas. Prospective owners are encouraged to verify the condition of these stones personally. Additional points of caution highlighted for potential collectors include the functional status of the fusee chain and the integrity of the spring-loaded bezel mechanism. The internal state and the presence of any secondary, non-original interventions to the movement parts are not documented and remain subject to professional assessment.
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: Possible missing or darkened turquoise stones
- Research required: Functional state of the fusee chain not verified