Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating hunter cased chronograph pocket watch

Anonymous minute repeating hunter cased keyless lever chronograph watch

Partially verified

Dating to circa 1900, this oversized hunter cased pocket watch features a 63mm 18K pink gold case recorded under number 217679. The watch is powered by a manual keyless lever movement with 32 jewels, operating both a minute repeating complication and a chronograph. The white dial displays Roman numerals, decorative openwork hands, an outer calibrated scale, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The cuvette is documented as signed Maar Beer and inscribed with patent number 217679. According to auction records, the watch was accompanied by a fitted wooden presentation box and 2010 service papers.

Front view of open hunter cased pocket watch showing white dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds
Front view of open hunter cased pocket watch showing white dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating hunter cased chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Maar Beer
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
869
Source-reported date
Circa 1900
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
217679

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

Identity and Case Construction

The pocket watch is catalogued under lot number 869 as an oversized hunter cased watch measuring 63mm in diameter, dated circa 1900. While the primary specification table registers the material as 18K pink gold under case number 217679, the auction catalogue essay separately refers to it as a heavy oversized yellow gold case. The catalogue essay also notes engraved coats of arms on both the front and back covers.

The cuvette is documented in the auction specifications as signed 'Maar Beer' and numbered, specifically citing patent number 217679. Although listed under 'Anonymous' in the sale heading, the essay attributes the watch to maker Maar Beer, stating that little historical information is available regarding the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material 18K pink gold”
  • “Dimensions 63mm diameter”
  • “The heavy oversized yellow gold case features engraved coats of arms to the front and back covers.”
  • “Cuvette signed Maar Beer and numbered, case numbered”
  • “While there is little historical information available for the maker, the watch is a testament to his workmanship.”

Dial and Exterior Observations

Direct visual inspection of the provided photograph shows the front hunter cover open to reveal a white dial featuring black Roman numerals. The primary time displays utilize decorative openwork hour and minute hands, complemented by a slim central chronograph hand.

A subsidiary register is located at the 6 o'clock position. Relative to the dial layout, a fluted winding crown and rounded bow are set at the 3 o'clock side of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Front hunter cover is opened to reveal a white dial with black Roman numerals.”
  • “Features decorative openwork hour and minute hands alongside a slim central chronograph hand.”
  • “A subsidiary register sits at the 6 o'clock position.”
  • “A fluted crown and rounded bow are positioned at the 3 o'clock side relative to the dial.”

Mechanism and Documentation Limitations

According to the auctioneer's specifications, the timepiece operates via a manual keyless lever movement containing 32 jewels, incorporating both minute repeating and chronograph complications. The catalogue essay reports that the repeating mechanism sounds with a lovely tone and clear sound, although the internal movement components, repeat striking work, and cuvette inscriptions are not visible in the available photograph.

Accessories recorded with the watch include a fitted wooden presentation box and 2010 service papers. Independent verification of caliber architecture, internal condition, or specific maker origins is not possible from the single dial-facing view.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre Manual, lever movement, 32 jewels”
  • “The movement, which is the heart of the watch, repeats with a lovely tone and clear sound.”
  • “Further accompanied by a fitted wooden presentation box and 2010 service papers.”

Open research questions

  • What accounts for the contradiction between the lot table's 18K pink gold specification and the essay's description of a heavy oversized yellow gold case?
  • Which national patent authority granted patent number 217679, and does the patent filing name Maar Beer or an ébauche manufacturer?
  • What specific repair or maintenance details are recorded in the 2010 service documentation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Anonymous minute repeating hunter cased keyless lever chronograph watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Number217679“Case No 217679, cuvette patent no. 217679”
Material18K pink gold“Material 18K pink gold”
CalibreManual, lever movement, 32 jewels“Calibre Manual, lever movement, 32 jewels”
Dimensions63mm diameter“Dimensions 63mm diameter”
SignatureCuvette signed Maar Beer and numbered“Signed Cuvette signed Maar Beer and numbered, case numbered”
AccessoriesFitted wooden presentation box and 2010 service papers“Further accompanied by a fitted wooden presentation box and 2010 service papers.”
Cuvette Patent Number217679“Case No 217679, cuvette patent no. 217679”

Visible details

  • Front hunter cover is opened to reveal a white dial with black Roman numerals.
  • Features decorative openwork hour and minute hands alongside a slim central chronograph hand.
  • A subsidiary register sits at the 6 o'clock position.
  • A fluted crown and rounded bow are positioned at the 3 o'clock side relative to the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The catalogue essay describes the case as heavy oversized yellow gold, whereas the specification table specifies 18K pink gold.
  • The movement, inner cuvette signature, and exterior case back engravings are not visible in the primary photograph.

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

Consulted source

Anonymous The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8cfdc74eb4

Terms in this record

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