Vaucher à Paris Yellow Gold, Enamel and Pearl-Set Open-Faced Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1790
This yellow gold, enamel, and pearl-set open-faced pocket watch is attributed by the source to Vaucher à Paris and dates to circa 1790. Measuring 33 mm in diameter, the piece features a signed gilt full-plate chain and fusee movement with verge escapement and a pierced, engraved balance bridge.
The white enamel dial exhibits Arabic numerals and an off-center winding aperture. The exterior case features pearl-set front and back bezels enclosing a relief floral bouquet with green enamel details within a royal blue guilloché enamel surround.
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
- Enamel, form & pendant watch
- Signature
- Movement signed
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Case Diameter
- 33 mm
- Place recorded
- France
- Case Decoration
- Pearl set bezels with applied floral bouquet and enamel
- Dial Description
- White enamel dial, Arabic numerals
- Maker / attribution
- Vaucher à Paris
Design
- Movement
- The watch is powered by a gilt full-plate chain and fusee movement featuring a verge escapement and a pierced, engraved balance bridge. The movement is signed. It was reported that the movement was running at the time of cataloguing but exhibits some tarnishing and is described as requiring service.
- Visible features
- • Front and back bezels are bordered with split pearls. • Winding square aperture is positioned on the dial between 1 and 2 o'clock. • Reverse features an applied vase and floral bouquet with green enamel details encircled by a translucent blue enamel ring. • Dial exhibits Arabic numerals and blued steel hands. • A visible repair or discoloration appears on the enamel dial between 2 and 3 o'clock.
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The timepiece features a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals. A chip and a soft enamel repair are present on the dial between the 2 and 3 o'clock positions. The winding square aperture is not specifically mentioned in the source text; however, the source confirms the presence of the dial described.
- Construction and Decoration
- The open-faced watch is composed of yellow gold and measures approximately 33 mm in diameter. The front and back bezels are set with pearls. The reverse of the case features an applied floral bouquet with green enamel details, surrounded by a blue enamel ring. The pendant is also decorated with green enamel. The source reports the enamel and seed pearls are intact, with the exception of minor chips to the green enamel on the pendant.
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: Movement is unpictured in the lot photograph.
- Research required: Condition report notes a chip and soft enamel repair between 2 and 3 o'clock on the dial.