J. Bellette gold montre à guichet pocket watch, London, 1700–1701
Record status
Individual type · research required
Period
1700–1701
This gold pocket watch is a "montre à guichet" (aperture watch) made in London between 1700 and 1701. Hour and minute display is provided through two fixed hands and two curved apertures covered by two blued and gilded discs signed "BELLETE" and "LONDON". To the right is a small silver dial graduated 1–6 with quarter- and half-hour markings.
A round, openwork plate extends from the upper edge to just below the center, bearing the crowned monogram of King Karl XII flanked by the Swedish Three Crowns. Along the rim runs the Latin dedication "CAROLUS DUODECIMUS VIVAT FLOREAT TRIUMPHAT". The lower section is decorated with tied palm branches, scrollwork, and a trophy group depicting antique armor, a cannon, banners, and a drum. The rear movement plate is engraved across two lines with the signature "J. Bellette // London". The inner case is struck with English gold hallmarks for 1700–1701, consisting of the leopard's head, lion passant, and the letter "I".
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- 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.
Historical context
Karl XII, also known as Charles XII, served as King of Sweden from 1697 to 1718, assuming power at the age of fifteen. In 1700, a triple alliance attacked Swedish territories, initiating the Great Northern War, during which Charles achieved an unexpected victory over a much larger Russian army at the Battle of Narva. Manufactured in London between 1700 and 1701, this pocket watch features his royal monogram alongside a Latin inscription wishing him life, prosperity, and triumph.
Physical characteristics
- Case
- Gold; inner case carries English gold hallmarks for 1700–1701: leopard's head, lion passant, and the letter "I"
- Dial
- Aperture style ("montre à guichet") with two curved openings covered by blued and gilded discs, two fixed hands, and a small silver dial graduated 1–6 with quarter- and half-hour divisions; pierced plate with Karl XII's cypher, Three Crowns, trophy group, and dedication
- Material
- Silver (as described on the source photograph page)
Technical characteristics
- Movement
- Rear plate/cock engraved across two lines: "J. Bellette // London"
Identification
- Grade
- ring
- Inscriptions or signatures
- Signed "BELLETE", "LONDON", "J. Bellette // London", and inscribed "CAROLUS DUODECIMUS VIVAT FLOREAT TRIUMPHAT"
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
- Maker not stated on the source photograph page; requires a signed movement or case examination.
- Escapement type not documented; requires movement examination or a horological reference.
- Jewel count and calibre not documented.
- Serial-number dating, case dimensions and weight remain untranscribed.
- No catalogue reference number is asserted; standard horological catalogues have not been transcribed for this specimen.