Ulysse Breting keyless pocket chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1880
This 18k pink gold manual wind open face keyless pocket chronometer was produced by Ulysse Breting in Switzerland, circa 1880. The watch features an enamel dial with subsidiary seconds at the 6 o'clock position.
The movement is a 19''' caliber, featuring fausses côtes decoration, 23 jewels, a gold wheel train, and a center wheel with screwed gold settings. The escapement is a pivoted detent type with a gold escape wheel and a detent pivot protected by a gold jewel cap on the cock. Timing is regulated by a cut bimetallic compensation balance, a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and an index regulator. The winding system utilizes a wolf's tooth gear arrangement.
The watch has a diameter of 53 mm and a total weight of 154 grams. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the maker.
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
- Date
- Circa 1880
- Type
- Pocket chronometer & deck watch
- Maker
- Ulysse Breting
- Country
- Switzerland
- Diameter
- 53 mm
- Case number
- 23161
- Jewel count
- 23
- Case material
- 18k pink gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement number
- 23161
- Maker / attribution
- Ulysse Breting
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is housed in an 18k pink gold open face case. It functions as a keyless-wound watch, designed in the open face style. The dial is made of enamel and includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. Both the case and dial are signed by the manufacturer.
- Visible features
- • Wolf's tooth winding gears visible on the movement plate • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock • Pivoted detent escapement with gold jewel cap on the balance cock • Fausses côtes decoration on the movement bridges
- Condition and Status
- The auction description reports that the case is in good condition, although it shows slight scratching. The dial is also documented in good condition. The movement is assessed as being in good condition overall, but with noted oxidation and scratches.
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a 19''' movement, which features fausses côtes decoration across its bridges. The train is comprised of gold wheels, and the center wheel is secured with screwed gold settings. The winding mechanism is notable for its use of wolf's tooth gears. The chronometer utilizes a pivoted detent escapement, which incorporates a gold escape wheel. The detent pivot is capped by a gold jewel on the cock. Regulation is achieved through a cut bimetallic compensation balance combined with a blued steel Breguet-overcoil balance spring and an index regulator.
Identification
- Serial number
- 23161
- 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 condition reported as slightly oxidized and scratched with an overhaul recommended
- Research required: Case reported as slightly scratched