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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Double face keyless chronograph pocket watch

American Watch Co. Model 74 Double Face Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this double-face keyless chronograph pocket watch is an 18K yellow gold Model 74 produced by the American Watch Co. in Waltham, Massachusetts, circa 1879, numbered 1378512. The three-body bassine et filets case measures 53.5 mm in diameter and incorporates a glazed cuvette displaying the movement alongside the reverse chronograph chapter ring. The catalog describes a white enamel primary dial with Arabic numerals, an outer minute track with red five-minute markers, and subsidiary seconds at 9 o'clock. The reverse display visible in the photograph features an enamel peripheral chapter ring graduated in fifths of a second and Arabic five-second numerals, read with a central blued steel hand over the damascened 14-size movement.

Reverse view of the open gold case showing the glazed cuvette, chronograph chapter ring, and movement
Reverse view of the open gold case showing the glazed cuvette, chronograph chapter ring, and movement — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Double face keyless chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
American Watch Co., Waltham, Mass.
Reference
Model 74
Catalogue / lot identifier
53
Source-reported date
circa 1879
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
1378512

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 Configuration

This American Watch Co. Model 74 is a double-face, keyless chronograph pocket watch constructed in an 18K gold three-body, "bassine et filets" case. It features a hinged bezel and back, with a gold glazed cuvette intended for viewing the movement and the reverse chronograph dial.

The case measures 53.5 mm in diameter. Visible features include a round pendant with a ribbed winding crown and a large circular bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. three-body, "bassine et filets", polished, hinged bezel and back, gold glazed cuvette to view the movement and chronograph dial.”
  • “Diam. 53.5 mm.”
  • “18K gold, keyless chronograph watch.”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch contains a 14-size, nickel, 3/4 plate movement with damascening and 16 jewels, with the top one in a gold setting. The movement is fitted with a straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, a blued steel flat balance spring, a gold engraved pallet fork bridge, and a safety pinion.

The movement bridge is engraved with references to H.A. Lugrin's patents from 1876 and 1877.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 14 size, nickel, 3/4 plate, damascened, 16 jewels, the top onein gold settings, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel flat balance spring, gold engraved pallet fork bridge, safety pinion.”
  • “Movement is also engraved "H.A. Lugrin's Pat. June 13. Oct, 3, 1876 Patd. In England July 28, 1877".”

Dial and Display

The primary dial is white enamel with Arabic numerals, an outer minute ring featuring red five-minute Arabic markers, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o'clock. The watch utilizes blued steel "Parallel Spade" hands on this side.

The reverse display consists of a white enamel chronograph ring calibrated in fifths of a second, with outer Arabic numerals for five-second intervals. A blued steel "Spade" hand is present for this display.

Evidence for this section
  • “D. white enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute ring with five-minute red Arabic markers, sunk subsidiary seconds at 9 o'clock. Blued steel "Parallel Spade" hands.”
  • “Back with white enamel chronograph ring calibrated with fifth-seconds with outermost five-seconds Arabic markers. Blued steel "Spade" hand.”

Open research questions

  • Verify if current condition assessments (e.g., dial spotting/damage) remain consistent with the 2001 cataloging report.
  • Clarify the current mechanical status of the movement since the 2001 recommendation for overhaul.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American Watch Co. Model 74 Double Face Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18K gold“18K gold, keyless chronograph watch.”
Case diameter53.5 mm“Diam. 53.5 mm.”
Movement specification14 size, nickel, 3/4 plate, damascened, 16 jewels“M. 14 size, nickel, 3/4 plate, damascened, 16 jewels”
Patent engravingH.A. Lugrin's Pat. June 13. Oct, 3, 1876 Patd. In England July 28, 1877“Movement is also engraved "H.A. Lugrin's Pat. June 13. Oct, 3, 1876 Patd. In England July 28, 1877".”
HandsParallel Spade on front, Spade on back“Blued steel "Parallel Spade" hands. Back with white enamel chronograph ring calibrated with fifth-seconds with outermost five-seconds Arabic markers. Blued steel "Spade" hand.”
Serial Number1378512“No. 1378512”
Estimated Datecirca 1879“circa 1879”
Signature statusSigned on the dial, case and movement“Signed on the dial, case and movement.”

Visible details

  • Yellow gold pocket watch case shown with hinged outer back cover open
  • Glazed cuvette reveals the movement and an outer white enamel chronograph chapter ring
  • Chronograph ring marked with divisions for fifths of a second and numbered every 5 seconds up to 60
  • Central slender blued steel hand traversing the movement face
  • Straight bridge spanning the movement engraved with maker and patent details
  • Round pendant with ribbed winding crown and large circular bow

Research qualifications

  • Only the movement and reverse chronograph track are visible in the photograph; the primary time dial is unverified visually.

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

Consulted source

American Watch Co., Waltham, Mass., Model 74, No. 1378512, circa 1879.Fine and rare, double face, 18K gold, keyless chronograph watch. | The Art of American Horology & Collector's Pocket Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks | New York, 28th November 2001

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record f226f3ea8c

Terms in this record

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