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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter cased pocket chronometer

Albert H. Potter Pivoted Detent Chronometer pocket watch

Partially verified

This yellow gold hunter-cased keyless pocket chronometer is dated circa 1877 and attributed to American horologist Albert H. Potter during his Geneva period. The watch has a 56 mm 18K yellow gold case stamped with Potter's trademark. Its white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, blued hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, signed Albert H. Potter & Co. Geneva. The source reports that it houses a nickel manual-wind movement, numbered 86, featuring a pivoted detent escapement, helical hairspring, bi-metallic compensation balance, and patent stamps from 1875 and 1876.

Front view of Albert H. Potter 18K yellow gold hunter-cased pocket chronometer number 86
Front view of Albert H. Potter 18K yellow gold hunter-cased pocket chronometer number 86 — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter cased pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Albert H. Potter
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
86
Source-reported date
Circa 1877
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
86

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 External Identification

This hunter-cased pocket watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold case measuring 56 mm in diameter. The configuration includes a hinged hunter front cover, and the case is reported to bear the maker's trademark.

The winding crown and suspension bow are positioned at the 3 o'clock mark relative to the dial, a configuration that dictates the orientation of the movement within the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material 18K yellow gold”
  • “Dimensions 56mm Diameter”
  • “Case with Potter’s trademark”
  • “Winding crown and suspension bow situated at the 3 o'clock position relative to the dial orientation.”

Dial Configuration

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.

The dial is signed 'Albert H. Potter & Co. Geneva' beneath the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The flawless white enamel dial has fine Roman numerals and a subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock.”
  • “Dial is signed 'Albert H. Potter & Co. Geneva' beneath the 12 o'clock position.”

Movement and Specifications

The movement is identified as number 86, described as a manual-wind caliber featuring a pivoted detent escapement. According to source details, the nickel movement features a bridge layout stamped “plate den. Pat. Jan. 4.76” and “escapement Pat. Oct. 11. 75”.

The mechanism includes a free-sprung helical hairspring and a bi-metallic compensation balance. These technical components are reported by the source and are not visible in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “The present pocket chronometer, number 86, with pivoted detent escapement dates to 1877”
  • “The nickel movement with Potter’s patented bridge layout is stamped “plate den. Pat. Jan. 4.76” with a free-sprung helical hairspring and bi-metallic compensation balance. The movement is further stamped “escapement Pat. Oct. 11. 75””

Open research questions

  • What is the physical condition of the movement, which is not depicted in the source imagery?
  • Are the patent stamps 'Pat. Jan. 4.76' and 'Pat. Oct. 11. 75' visible on the internal plates as stated by the source?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Albert H. Potter Pivoted Detent Chronometer pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K yellow gold“Material 18K yellow gold”
Dimensions56mm Diameter“Dimensions 56mm Diameter”
EscapementPivoted detent escapement“Calibre Manual type two, pivoted detent escapement, jewelled to the center”
Movement NumberNumber 86“The present pocket chronometer, number 86, with pivoted detent escapement dates to 1877”
Patent InscriptionsPat. Jan. 4.76 and Pat. Oct. 11. 75“stamped “plate den. Pat. Jan. 4.76” with a free-sprung helical hairspring and bi-metallic compensation balance. The movement is further stamped “escapement Pat. Oct. 11. 75””
Estimated DateCirca 1877“The present pocket chronometer, number 86, with pivoted detent escapement dates to 1877”
AccessoriesIncludes wooden presentation box, crystals, and main spring“Accompanied by original numbered Albert H. Potter fitted wooden presentation box, additional crystals and main spring.”

Visible details

  • Hinged hunter front cover opened to the left side of the watch dial.
  • White enamel dial with slender black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Dial is signed 'Albert H. Potter & Co. Geneva' beneath the 12 o'clock position.
  • Winding crown and suspension bow situated at the 3 o'clock position relative to the dial orientation.

Research qualifications

  • Movement architecture, balance, escapement, and inner patent stamps are reported by the source and not visible in this dial-side photograph.
  • The accompanying numbered wooden box and accessories noted in the catalog are not depicted.

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

Consulted source

Albert H. Potter The New York Watch Auction: XII

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 174458c074

Terms in this record

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