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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Enamelled pocket watch

B. Haas, Jne. gold and enamelled pocket watch with portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar

Partially verified

This gold and enamelled pocket watch is documented by Sotheby's as having been produced in Switzerland circa 1870 for the Persian market. According to the auction catalogue, it is powered by an 18-ligne gilt lever movement signed B Haas, Jne., featuring a bi-metallic compensation balance and a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds. The front cover showcases a painted enamel portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar encircled by diamonds and an engraved classical surround in dark blue enamel. The catalogue notes that the case reverse displays the Qajar lion and sun emblem on red engine-turned enamel, with the case and cuvette numbered 6559.

Front cover of the B Haas, Jne. pocket watch showing the enamelled portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar bordered by diamonds and blue enamel
Front cover of the B Haas, Jne. pocket watch showing the enamelled portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar bordered by diamonds and blue enamel — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Enamelled pocket watch
Maker / attribution
B Haas, Jne.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
328
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
6559

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 gold case is numbered 6559, matching the internal cuvette. The winding crown, bow, and bezel feature engraved scroll detailing. The front cover displays an enamelled portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar, which is framed by diamonds and a border of dark blue enamel featuring gilt motifs.

The rear of the case displays the Qajar coat-of-arms, described as a lion holding a sabre with the sun rising behind, set within a wreath and beneath a crown. This emblem is situated on a red engine-turned enamelled ground, surrounded by a decorative border of turquoise and blue enamel.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold case with enamel portrait surrounded by diamonds within an engraved and blue enamelled classical surround”
  • “the rear with lion and sun coat of arms, surrounded by wreathes and crown above, the coat of arms upon red enamel over engine turning within a border of decorative turquoise and blue enamel and engraving”
  • “case and cuvette numbered 6559”

Dial and Mechanism

The watch utilizes a B. Haas, Jne. 18''' gilt lever movement equipped with a bi-metallic compensation balance. The dial is white enamel with Roman numerals and an outer Arabic minute ring with 1/5 minute divisions. It includes gold hands and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.

Condition reporting at the time of cataloguing noted the movement was functional and the hand setting was operational. The dial exhibited hairline cracks near the 3 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “B Haas, Jne. calibre 18’’’ gilt lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance”
  • “white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring with 1/5 minutes divisions, recessed subsidiary seconds dial at 6”
  • “Dial with some hairline cracks to 3”
  • “Movement working at the time of cataloguing”

Provenance and Condition Observations

The watch is attributed to Swiss production for the Persian market, dating to circa 1870. The exterior engraving is described as bright and defined.

Reported condition issues include loss of enamel on both the front and back of the case, as well as a small superficial scratch observed on the portrait.

Evidence for this section
  • “Switzerland for the Persian market, circa 1870”
  • “engraving bright and defined”
  • “some loss of enamel to front and back, small superficial scratch to the portrait”

Open research questions

  • Does the source confirm the exact location of the serial number '6559' on the movement or other internal components beyond the cuvette?
  • Are there additional records confirming the specific commission or ownership provenance associated with this lot?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for B. Haas, Jne. gold and enamelled pocket watch with portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement calibre18''' gilt lever movement“B Haas, Jne. calibre 18’’’ gilt lever movement”
Case number6559“case and cuvette numbered 6559”
Attributed marketPersian market“Switzerland for the Persian market, circa 1870”
SubjectNasir al-Din Shah Qajar“featuring a portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar”
MakerB. Haas, Jne.“B Haas, Jne. calibre 18’’’ gilt lever movement”
Serial Number6559“case and cuvette numbered 6559”

Visible details

  • Front cover features a polychrome painted enamel miniature portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar in formal dress with a blue sash and white-plumed astrakhan cap.
  • The central portrait medallion is encircled by a pavé ring of small cut diamonds.
  • An outer border is executed in deep blue enamel with ornate gilt strapwork and scroll motifs.
  • The gold bezel, winding crown, and suspension bow are decorated with chased or engraved relief scrollwork.

Research qualifications

  • The movement, inner cuvette, white enamel dial, and rear cover with the Qajar coat of arms are unillustrated in the primary lot image and rely on the auctioneer's catalogue note.
  • The catalogue reports some loss of enamel to front and back and a small superficial scratch to the portrait.

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

Consulted source

(#328) A fine gold and enamelled pocket watch featuring a portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar, Switzerland for the Persian market, circa 1870,

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record b9919d6bb0

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

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