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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating chronograph pocket watch

Anonymous 14k yellow gold minute repeating chronograph pocket watch made for the Imperial Court of the Shah of Persia

Partially verified

This early 20th-century pocket watch is cased in 14k yellow gold with a diameter of 55 mm. The manual-wind movement incorporates minute repeating and chronograph functions. According to Christie's catalogue, the piece was produced for the Imperial Court of the Shah of Persia and is fitted with a white enamel dial. The case back showcases a central polychrome painted enamel portrait of a military figure, surrounded by an engraved gold border detailed with blue enamel accents. The case band integrates a slide mechanism and a push-piece.

Back view of the 14k yellow gold case featuring an enamelled portrait of the Shah of Persia framed by engraved and blue enamel borders
Back view of the 14k yellow gold case featuring an enamelled portrait of the Shah of Persia framed by engraved and blue enamel borders — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
432
Source-reported date
circa early 20th Century
Country
Not established

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 Construction and Ornamentation

The watch is housed in a 55 mm 14k yellow gold case. The reverse displays a polychrome painted enamel portrait of a moustachioed military figure, depicted wearing an aigrette-adorned cap, epaulettes, sash, and medals. This central portrait is framed by an engraved gold border featuring geometric and floral patterns, accented with dark blue enamel.

External controls include a fluted winding crown fitted with an oval bow. The case band features an integrated lateral repeating slide and an actuator push-piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 14k yellow gold”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 55 mm.”
  • “Polychrome enamel portrait depicting a moustachioed military figure wearing an aigrette-adorned cap, epaulettes, sash, and medals.”
  • “Engraved gold bezel border on the case back decorated with dark blue enamel accents and geometric and floral patterns.”
  • “Fluted winding crown with an oval bow, accompanied by a lateral repeating slide and an actuator push-piece on the band.”

Mechanism and Dial Configuration

The timepiece uses a manual-wind movement with minute repeating and chronograph functions. The dial is white enamel.

Regarding current condition, the movement was ticking at the time of cataloguing, though a service is recommended. The hands were reported as not moving forward. The crystal is cracked in the middle, and the dial shows small stains and dust.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Minute repeater and chronograph”
  • “DIAL: White enamel”
  • “The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing; however, a service is recommended.”
  • “The hands are not moving forward.”
  • “The crystal is cracked in its middle.”
  • “Dial: Some small stains and dust.”

Provenance and Condition Report

The watch is catalogued as anonymous, with the source noting it was made for the Imperial Court of the Shah of Persia. It is dated to the early 20th century. No specific maker or country of origin is stated.

The auction house notes that while the case is in very good overall condition, there is loss of enamel around the case, and the enamel has been professionally restored in certain areas.

Evidence for this section
  • “ANONYMOUS, YELLOW GOLD MINUTE REPEATING POCKET WATCH MADE FOR THE IMPERIAL COURT OF THE SHAH OF PERSIA”
  • “CIRCA: Early 20th Century”
  • “Case: In very good overall condition with some loss of enamel around the case. The enamel has been professionally restored in some places.”

Open research questions

  • What markings, if any, exist on the movement or inner case back to indicate the manufacturer?
  • Does the portrait align with a documented likeness of a specific Shah of Persia?
  • What is the specific nature of the mechanical obstruction preventing the hands from advancing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Anonymous 14k yellow gold minute repeating chronograph pocket watch made for the Imperial Court of the Shah of Persia
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material14k yellow gold“CASE MATERIAL: 14k yellow gold”
Case Diameter55 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 55 mm.”
DialWhite enamel“DIAL: White enamel”
MovementManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
ComplicationsMinute repeater and chronograph“FUNCTIONS: Minute repeater and chronograph”
Date of ProductionEarly 20th Century“CIRCA: Early 20th Century”
Case Material14k yellow gold“CASE MATERIAL: 14k yellow gold”
Case Diameter55 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 55 mm.”

Visible details

  • Polychrome enamel portrait depicting a moustachioed military figure wearing an aigrette-adorned cap, epaulettes, sash, and medals.
  • Engraved gold bezel border on the case back decorated with dark blue enamel accents and geometric and floral patterns.
  • Fluted winding crown with an oval bow, accompanied by a lateral repeating slide and an actuator push-piece on the band.

Research qualifications

  • No maker signature or country of origin is identified by the auction house.
  • The dial, movement, and interior hallmarks are not visible in the supplied photograph.
  • Christie's condition report notes restored enamel in places, a cracked crystal, and that the hands were not advancing.

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

Consulted source

ANONYMOUS, YELLOW GOLD MINUTE REPEATING POCKET WATCH MADE FOR THE IMPERIAL COURT OF THE SHAH OF PERSIA, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 49dc2979aa

Terms in this record

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