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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Adamson à Paris "The Diamond Star" Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold quarter-repeating pocket watch, identified as "The Diamond Star," is attributed to the maker Adamson à Paris and dates to circa 1790. The object features a slim, double-body "Directoire" case decorated with split pearl-set bezels and translucent dark blue enamel over an engine-turned floral and leaf garland. The case back is adorned with a central star motif composed of rose-cut diamonds, surrounded by a multicolored floral paillon rosette. The white enamel dial displays Dauphine numerals, "star" minute divisions, and Arabic quarter-hour numerals, complemented by gold skeletonized hands. Internally, the 40 mm gilt full-plate movement features cylindrical pillars, a fixed barrel passing through the back plate, a cylinder escapement, and a three-arm brass balance. The watch includes a glazed gilt brass protecting case and strikes the quarters on a bell via the pendant.

The back of the "Diamond Star" watch showing the enamel work, diamond star, and split pearl bezel.
The back of the "Diamond Star" watch showing the enamel work, diamond star, and split pearl bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Adamson à Paris
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
346
Source-reported date
circa 1790
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
842

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 Enamel Decoration

The watch is housed in a double-body, slim "Directoire" gold case. The exterior aesthetic relies heavily on the use of split pearls, which are set into the bezels, creating a frame for the central design. The back of the case is covered in translucent dark blue enamel that sits over an engine-turned surface decorated with a garland of flowers and leaves.

A primary visual element of the object is the center of the case back, which features a large, central rose-cut diamond arranged as a star. This star is further embellished with a multicolored floral paillon rosette, providing a distinct contrast to the dark blue enamel background.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Double-body, "Directoire", with split pearl-set bezels, the back overlaid with translucent dark blue enamel over an engine-turned flower and leaf garland and centered with a large rose cut diamond and star encircled by a multicolored floral paillon rosette.”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The watch is powered by a 40 mm (18''') gilt full-plate movement. The design includes cylindrical pillars, with the fixed barrel passing through the back plate, where it is secured by a screwed plate. Timekeeping is regulated by a cylinder escapement paired with a plain brass three-arm balance and a flat balance spring. An index regulator is used to adjust the rate.

The watch functions as a quarter-repeater, which is operated by depressing the pendant. The striking mechanism impacts a bell internal to the watch. The auction description notes that the bell currently has a crack, which may affect its acoustic quality. The movement, like the dial, bears the signature of the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 40 mm. (18'''), slim, hinged, gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, the fixed barrel passing through the back plate and secured by a screwed plate, cylinder escapement, countersunk plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, index regulator, repeating on a (cracked) bell by depressing the pendant.”
  • “Dial and movement signed.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description provides specific condition reports for the watch components. The dial is rated '3-23-01 Good'.

Regarding the originality of components, the auction house explicitly notes that the hands are later additions rather than the original set. The rest of the watch is presented as the object originally catalogued under number 842, though the grading suggests that future maintenance is necessary to return the repeating function and movement to optimal working order.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3 Good Movement: 3** Good Repair required, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-23-01 Good Later HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical relationship between Adamson à Paris and other contemporary makers of the late 18th century?
  • What is the specific provenance of this watch prior to its inclusion in the auction lot?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Adamson à Paris "The Diamond Star" Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAdamson à Paris“Adamson à Paris, No. 842.”
Serial Number842“No. 842.”
Datecirca 1790“Made circa 1790.”
Case StyleDirectoire“C. Double-body, "Directoire”
EscapementCylinder“cylinder escapement”
Movement Diameter40 mm“M. 40 mm.”
Repeating TypeQuarter-repeating“quarter-repeating pocket watch”

Visible details

  • The case back features a central rose-cut diamond star surrounded by paillon rosettes.
  • The bezel is set with a complete row of split pearls.
  • The pendant mechanism initiates the quarter-repeating function.
  • The dial uses distinctive Dauphine numerals and star-shaped minute markers.

Research qualifications

  • The movement contains a cracked bell.
  • The hands are reported by the auction description as being later replacements.

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

Consulted source

"The Diamond Star" Adamson à Paris, No. 842. Made circa 1790. Very fine and elegant, slim, 18K gold and enamel, pearl and rose-cut diamond-set quarter-repeating pocket watch with a glazed gilt brass protecting case.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9fd9523e26

Terms in this record

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

Other quarter repeating pocket watch records