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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating chronograph pocket watch

Anonymous 18k Pink Gold Quarter Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This anonymous Swiss-made pocket watch, identified by serial number 280770, dates to approximately 1915. The timepiece is housed in a four-body, 18-karat pink gold 'bassine et filets' case, measuring 52 mm in diameter, featuring a polished finish with a monogram engraved on the cover and an internal gold cuvette. The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals, an outer minute and chronograph track, and a subsidiary seconds dial, all powered by gold Louis XV hands. The movement is gilt brass, set with 18 jewels, and incorporates a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and a Breguet balance spring. The watch provides quarter-repeating functionality via gongs activated by a push piece in the band, along with a chronograph mechanism that includes visible work controlled by a second push piece located in the case band.

The obverse of the 18k pink gold pocket watch showing the white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and gold hands.
The obverse of the 18k pink gold pocket watch showing the white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and gold hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
318
Source-reported date
circa 1915
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
280770

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 Construction

The watch is encased in an 18-karat pink gold four-body case identified as 'bassine et filets'. The exterior of the cover features a polished finish with an engraved monogram. The dial is composed of white enamel, which provides a neutral background for the Arabic numeral hour markers.

The dial features an outer minute track accompanied by a chronograph ring and a secondary subsidiary dial for constant seconds. The time is indicated by gold Louis XV style hands. A gold cuvette is present within the case, protecting the movement from the exterior environment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body, "bassine et filets", polished a monogram engraved on the cover.”
  • “Gold cuvette.”
  • “D. White enamel with Arabic numerals, outer minute and chronograph ring and subsidiary seconds. Gold Louis XV hands.”

Movement and Complications

The movement is constructed of gilt brass and contains 18 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement paired with a cut bimetallic balance and a Breguet balance spring. This combination of components regulates the timing of the watch.

The movement functions as a quarter-repeater, using internal gongs to sound the time upon activation by a push piece located in the case band. Additionally, the watch includes a chronograph complication characterized by visible work, which is also operated via a separate push piece in the band.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Glazed 18-, gilt brass, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring.”
  • “Repeating on gongs with push piece in the band.”
  • “Chronograph with visible work, push piece in the band.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description identifies the watch as an anonymous Swiss production from circa 1915, bearing the serial number 280770.

The auction description reports that the overall condition of the timepiece is very good. No further details regarding previous restoration or mechanical performance are provided in the source material.

Evidence for this section
  • “Anonymous, Swiss, No. 280770, circa 1915.”
  • “In very good condition.”

Open research questions

  • Can the monogram on the case cover be linked to a specific original owner?
  • Is there any hidden maker's mark within the movement that would clarify the anonymous attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Anonymous 18k Pink Gold Quarter Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18 ct. pink gold“18 ct. pink gold”
Serial Number280770“No. 280770”
Case StyleFour body, bassine et filets“Four body, "bassine et filets”
Movement DetailsGilt brass, 18 jewels“gilt brass, 18 jewels”
Diameter52 mm“Diam. 52 mm.”
EscapementStraight line lever“straight line lever escapement”
ChronographVisible work, push piece in the band“Chronograph with visible work, push piece in the band.”
Repeating mechanismQuarter repeating on gongs“Repeating on gongs with push piece in the band.”

Visible details

  • Arabic numerals on a white enamel dial
  • Gold Louis XV hands
  • Two push pieces on the case band
  • Engraved monogram on the case back

Research qualifications

  • The maker is anonymous
  • The exact origin of the monogram is not stated

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

Consulted source

Anonymous, Swiss, No. 280770, circa 1915. Fine 18 ct. pink gold, keyless quarter repeating watch with chronograph.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f3a00cf4db

Terms in this record

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

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