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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · 8-day pocket watch

Agassiz 8-Day Power Reserve Pocket Watch (43 mm)

Partially verified

This Agassiz Watch Co. pocket watch is a keyless, thin 18K gold timekeeper with an eight-day going duration and power reserve indication. Manufactured in Switzerland circa 1920 for the retailer G.W. Fairchild & Sons of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the watch features a white enamel dial with radial dauphine numerals, a power reserve indicator located at the 12 o'clock position, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The four-body bassine case has a polished finish, semi-concealed hinges, and a hinged gold cuvette. Power for the eight-day movement is achieved through an additional wheel. The 37 mm (16 1/2 line) rhodium-plated movement incorporates 21 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut-bimetallic compensation balance with eight adjustments. It also includes a blued steel Breguet balance spring and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the maker.

Front view of the 18K gold 8-day pocket watch showing the dial, power reserve indicator, and hands.
Front view of the 18K gold 8-day pocket watch showing the dial, power reserve indicator, and hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · 8-day pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Agassiz Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
354
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
249749

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 housed in an 18K gold four-body case of the bassine type, characterized by its polished finish and semi-concealed hinges. The design includes a hinged gold cuvette protecting the movement.

The white enamel dial displays radial dauphine numerals and an outer minute track. A power reserve indicator is situated at the 12 o'clock position, while a subsidiary seconds register is placed at the bottom at 6 o'clock. The time is indicated by blued steel Breguet-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, ?bassine?, polished, semi-concealed hinge.”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette.”
  • “White enamel, radial dauphine numerals, outer minute track, power reserve indication at 12, subsidiary seconds.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 37 mm (16 1/2 line) rhodium-plated caliber featuring fausses cotes decoration. It is configured for an 8-day power reserve, achieved through the integration of an additional wheel within the movement architecture.

The escapement is a straight-line lever type, paired with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance adjusted in eight positions. Regulation is handled by a swan-neck micrometer regulator and a blued steel Breguet-type balance spring.

Evidence for this section
  • “37 mm (16 1/2 ???), rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration”
  • “straight-line lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with 8 adjustments”
  • “8-day power via an additional wheel.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction house provides a grading system where the overall watch is assigned a grade of AA, indicating it is in very good condition.

The enamel dial is also assessed as good, though it is noted to have hairlines. The hands are recorded as original to the watch, and signatures are present on the dial, case, and movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific horological significance of the 'bassine' case shape in 1920s Agassiz production?
  • How do the movement adjustments in this 8-day caliber compare to the standard Agassiz movements of the era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Agassiz 8-Day Power Reserve Pocket Watch (43 mm)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAgassiz Watch Co.“Agassiz Watch Co.”
RetailerG.W. Fairchild & Sons“Made for G.W. Fairchild & Sons. Inc., Bridgeport, Conn(ecticut)”
Case material18K gold“18K gold”
Movement diameter37 mm (16 1/2 lines)“M. 37 mm (16 1/2 ???)”
Jewel count21“21 jewels”
Case diameter43 mm“Diam. 43 mm”
Dial decorationWhite enamel“White enamel”
Movement decorationFausses cotes“rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration”

Visible details

  • Radial dauphine hour numerals
  • Power reserve indicator marked 'UP' and 'DOWN'
  • Blued steel Breguet hands
  • Polished bassine-style gold case

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes 'Hairlines' on the enamel dial
  • Auction house recommends an overhaul for the movement

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

Consulted source

Agassiz - Eight Day Going Watch Agassiz Watch Co., Swiss, No. 249749. Made for G.W. Fairchild & Sons. Inc., Bridgeport, Conn(ecticut), circa 1920. Fine and rare, thin, 18K gold, keyless, 8-day going pocket watch with power reserve indication. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 07c656612e

Terms in this record

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