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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Karrusel pocket chronometer

A. Lange & Söhne 18 ct. Pink Gold Karrusel Pocket Chronometer

Partially verified

This A. Lange & Söhne pocket chronometer, identified by serial number 45288, dates to approximately 1903. The timepiece is housed in a four-body "demi-bassine" polished 18 ct. pink gold hunting case, complemented by a gold cuvette. The watch features a white enamel three-piece dial equipped with Arabic numerals, off-set subsidiary seconds, and gold Breguet hands. Internally, the watch contains a 19-jewel gilt brass three-quarter plate movement of "1 a quality." A defining technical feature is the 60-minute Karrusel regulator, where the escapement is mounted on a carriage driven by the center wheel. The movement incorporates a lateral gold lever escapement, a cut nickel, steel and brass balance with poising screws, a diamond endstone, and a Breguet balance spring with a swan-neck micrometric index. The dial and movement are signed.

The obverse side of the case showing the dial, and the internal movement view showing the Karrusel carriage.
The obverse side of the case showing the dial, and the internal movement view showing the Karrusel carriage. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Karrusel pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
A. Lange & Söhne
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
182
Source-reported date
circa 1903
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
45288

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is contained within a four-body, heavy-weight polished pink gold case described as having a 'demi-bassine' profile. This hunting case is finished with a gold cuvette protecting the movement. The dial is constructed in three pieces from white enamel, featuring Arabic numerals.

Time is indicated by gold Breguet-style hands. An off-set subsidiary dial for seconds is positioned at the lower portion of the main dial. The dial is signed with the manufacturer's name.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body massive "demi-bassine" polished case”
  • “Gold cuvette”
  • “White enamel three piece chat with Arabic numerals and off set subsidiary seconds”

Movement and Karrusel Mechanism

Powering the watch is a gilt brass three-quarter plate movement designated as '1 a quality.' It is fitted with 14 jewels and a lateral gold lever escapement. The balance assembly utilizes a cut nickel, steel, and brass balance with poising screws, a diamond endstone, and a Breguet balance spring. Fine adjustment is facilitated by a swan-neck micrometric index.

The technical focus of the movement is the Karrusel regulator. The escapement is mounted on a carriage that completes one full revolution every 60 minutes, driven by the center wheel. This period of rotation is distinct from the 52 1/2 minutes utilized in Bonniksen-style mechanisms.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very fine gilt brass 19- three quarter plate movement, 1 a quality”
  • “The escapement is set on a 60 minute revolution carriage driven by the center wheel”
  • “The karrusel watches made by Lange & Sôhne used a 60 minutes period a rotation comprened to the 52 1 /2 minutes of the English watch made by Bonniksen”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the watch to be in very good condition. It carries the manufacturer signature on both the dial and the movement. The object is identified by the serial number 45288 and is associated with the registration mark D.R.G.M. 121267.

Historical records cited in the source indicate that the production of these specific Karrusel timepieces was limited to 77 examples.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on the dial and the movement”
  • “In very good condition”
  • “Only 77 examples were manufactured”

Open research questions

  • What specific technical components are encompassed by the D.R.G.M. 121267 patent/registration?
  • Does the serial number 45288 correspond to original factory production records for the 77 known Karrusel watches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Lange & Söhne 18 ct. Pink Gold Karrusel Pocket Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerA. Lange & Söhne“A. Lange & Sôhne”
Serial Number45288“No 45288”
Datecirca 1903“circa 1903”
Material18 ct. pink gold“18 ct. pink gold”
Diameter56 mm“Diam. 56 mm.”
Jewel count14“14 jewels”
Movement typeGilt brass three-quarter plate“gilt brass 19- three quarter plate movement”

Visible details

  • Three-quarter plate movement construction
  • Visible Karrusel carriage assembly on movement
  • Enamel dial with subsidiary seconds at six o'clock
  • Swan-neck regulator visible on balance cock

Research qualifications

  • D.R.G.M. registration number 121267 is cited but not elaborated upon in the text
  • The count of 77 total manufactured examples is an unverified historical claim

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A. Lange & Sôhne, Glashütte B/Dresden, No 45288, circa 1903, D.R.G.M. 121267. Rare and fine 18 ct. pink gold hunting cased keyless pocket chronometer with a 60 minute Karrusel regulator.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1e0dd7fa69

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.