Unsigned Astronomical Hunting Cased Minute Repeating Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This Swiss-made keyless minute repeating watch is housed in an 18K pink gold four-body hunting case with a polished finish and a monogram engraved on the cover.
The white enamel dial features Roman numerals, an outer Arabic minute track, and a chronograph ring. Complications include a triple calendar with subsidiary dials for the days of the week, months, and date, alongside a subsidiary seconds dial featuring an integrated moon phase aperture. The movement is a 20-ligne nickel-plated caliber decorated with "fausses cotes," containing 31 jewels. It utilizes a counterpoised straight line lever escapement with a cut bimetallic balance and a Breguet balance spring.
The watch includes a repeating function operated by a slide in the case band and a chronograph function activated via a push-piece. The diameter is 59 mm. It is unsigned.
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
- Repeating watch
- Material
- 18K pink gold
- Case type
- Four body hunting case
- Condition
- Very good
- Escapement
- Counterpoised straight line lever
- Jewel count
- 31 jewels
- Complication
- Triple calendar, moon phase, chronograph, minute repeater
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
Design
- Visible features
- • Case diameter measures 59 mm • Features 'Louis XV' style hands • Includes moon phase aperture integrated within the subsidiary seconds dial • Movement is nickel-plated with 'fausses cotes' finish
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch features a massive four-body "bassine" case crafted from 18K pink gold. The exterior cover of the hunting case is polished and decorated with an engraved monogram. A hinged gold cuvette protects the internal components. The case band integrates a slide for the minute repeating mechanism and a push-piece for the chronograph function. The dial is white enamel with Roman numerals for the hours and an outer Arabic track for minutes and chronograph seconds. The layout includes sunk subsidiary dials for the calendar functions, displaying the day of the week, the month, and the date. An aperture for the moon phase is positioned within the subsidiary seconds dial. The display is completed with blued steel "Louis XV" hands.
- Origin and Identification
- The object is attributed to Swiss production circa 1900. The item is unsigned by any maker or manufacturer. It is identified in the record as Lot 172. The condition of the watch is reported by the auction description as very good.
- Movement and Complications
- The 20-ligne movement is nickel-plated and finished with "fausses cotes" decoration. It contains 31 jewels and is fitted with a counterpoised straight line lever escapement. The regulation is maintained by a cut bimetallic balance and a Breguet balance spring. The watch functions as a minute repeater, striking on gongs, with the activation slide located in the case band. Additionally, it contains a chronograph mechanism with partially visible work and a push-piece integrated into the case band for operation. The astronomical display includes a triple calendar and a moon phase indicator.
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 maker remains unidentified
- Research required: The exact significance of the monogram on the case cover is not specified