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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting cased pendant watch

Barry Enamel and Diamond Pendant Watch with Chatelaine

Partially verified

This 18K gold pendant watch is presented with a matching chatelaine. Attributed to the maker Barry of Genève around 1870, the watch features a five-body 'Bassine' hunting case. The exterior covers display black enamel decorated with gold scrolling and vermicelli patterns. The front cover is set with diamonds in an enamel decorative motif, while the back cover features black enamel and gold decoration. The watch includes a gilt hinged cuvette and is paired with a chatelaine consisting of two panels adorned with black enamel and diamonds. The dial is silver with Roman numerals and an outer minute ring, accompanied by blue steel spade hands. The signature is present on the cuvette. The total diameter of the watch is 35 mm.

The 18K gold and enamel hunting-cased pendant watch suspended from its matching ruby and diamond-set chatelaine.
The 18K gold and enamel hunting-cased pendant watch suspended from its matching ruby and diamond-set chatelaine. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting cased pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Barry
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
406
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Source-reported place
Geneva
Source-reported serial
39508

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 Chatelaine Construction

The object consists of an 18K gold five-body 'Bassine' hunting case. Both covers are finished in black enamel and embellished with gold scrolling and vermicelli patterns. The front cover contains diamond-set enamel ornamentation, while the reverse cover features black enamel and gold decorative work. A gilt hinged cuvette protects the internal movement.

The watch is accompanied by a matching chatelaine. This accessory is constructed from gold, enamel, and set with rubies and diamonds. It is composed of two primary panels, which are similarly decorated with black enamel and diamonds to coordinate with the watch case aesthetic.

Evidence for this section
  • “Five body, 'Bassine', both covers in black enamel decorated with gold scrolling and vermicelli patterns”
  • “the front with diamond-set enamel decoration, the back with black enamel and gold decoration, gilt hinged cuvette.”
  • “Chatelain: two panels with black enamel and diamonds set.”

Dial and Movement

The watch dial is composed of silver, featuring black Roman numerals for the hours and an outer minute ring. Time is displayed via blued steel spade-shaped hands.

Technical components within the movement include a cylinder escapement and a gold balance. The regulation is provided by a blued steel flat balance spring.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver,enamel Roman numerals, outer minute ring. Blue steel spade hands.”
  • “31 mm. gilt brass bar calibre, cylinder escapement, gold balance, blued steel flat balance spring, 10 jewels.”
  • “Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Reported Condition

The maker Barry is recorded as the manufacturer, with the watch signed on the cuvette. The individual serial number 39508 is associated with this piece, manufactured in Genève.

The auction description reports the general condition of the set under a grading system. The case is described as good with slight scratching, and the dial is noted as good with original hands. The movement is reported as slightly oxidized, requiring professional maintenance to ensure future functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “BARRY, ENAMEL AND DIAMOND CHATELAINE Genève, No. 39508”
  • “Signed on the cuvette.”
  • “Grading System Grade: A Good Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical production volume of Barry of Genève during the 1870s?
  • Are there archival records linking serial number 39508 to a specific retailer or original owner?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Barry Enamel and Diamond Pendant Watch with Chatelaine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBarry“BARRY, ENAMEL AND DIAMOND CHATELAINE”
Serial Number39508“Genève, No. 39508”
Datecirca 1870“circa 1870”
Case Material18K gold“Fine, 18K gold and enamel”
EscapementCylinder“cylinder escapement”
Jewel count10 jewels“10 jewels”
Case typeFive body, Bassine“Five body, 'Bassine'”
Dimensions35 mm“DIAM. 35 mm.”

Visible details

  • Case features black enamel with gold vermicelli patterns
  • The chatelaine contains ruby and diamond settings
  • Dial is silvered with Roman numerals

Research qualifications

  • The auction description suggests a need for movement overhaul
  • The specific grade of the gold is stated as 18K but not independently verified

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

Consulted source

BARRY, ENAMEL AND DIAMOND CHATELAINE Genève, No. 39508, circa 1870. Fine, 18K gold and enamel, hunting cased, diamond set pendant watch with matching chatelaine in gold ,enamel, and ruby diamonds set.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ddaba6ba9f

Terms in this record

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