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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Bautte et Moynier Enameled Gold Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch was produced by the Firm of Bautte et Moynier in Geneva, Switzerland, between approximately 1826 and 1831. The watch is constructed with a case of enameled gold and a movement of gilded brass and steel featuring ruby endstones. It measures 1 11/16 inches (4.3 cm) in diameter. The firm operated as a partnership during the recorded dates. The exterior of the case is decorated with intricate enamel work featuring various figures and astronomical or zodiacal motifs. The movement is documented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which holds the object in its collection. The piece is part of the museum's holdings under the accession number 26.267.14, having been acquired through an anonymous gift.

Rear view of the Bautte et Moynier enameled gold watch, showing the decorative figurative and symbolic enamel work.
Rear view of the Bautte et Moynier enameled gold watch, showing the decorative figurative and symbolic enamel work. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Anonymous Gift, in memory of Lady May Fletcher-Moulton, 1926. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Firm of Bautte et Moynier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
26.267.14
Source-reported date
ca. 1826–31
Source-reported place
Swiss, Geneva

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 External Construction

The watch is housed in a case constructed from gold, finished with enamel work. The enamel application covers the back of the case and extends to the winding components, including the stem and the bow or loop.

The overall design aesthetic relies on a dense, multi-motif configuration that fills the circular field of the case back. These elements appear to be executed in a combination of enamel and metal, creating a high-contrast appearance against the dark background. The dimensions of the piece are 4.3 centimeters, or 1 11/16 inches in diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: enameled gold”
  • “Diameter: 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)”

Movement and Technical Details

The internal mechanism of the watch is comprised of gilded brass and steel components.

The movement is consistent with the standard production methods associated with the firm of Bautte et Moynier during their active partnership period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: gilded brass and steel with ruby endstones”

Provenance and Identification

This watch is identified as museum object 26.267.14, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The object entered the museum's collection as an anonymous gift in memory of Lady May Fletcher-Moulton in 1926. The attribution to the firm of Bautte et Moynier is based on the museum's own records regarding this specific accession.

The firm of Bautte et Moynier is documented as a Swiss partnership active between 1826 and 1831. The details provided in the reference are specific to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's inventory, and the record notes that independent verification of how this object relates to the broader production of the firm remains a subject for further research.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 26.267.14”
  • “Anonymous Gift, in memory of Lady May Fletcher-Moulton, 1926”
  • “Watchmaker: Firm of Bautte et Moynier (Swiss, partnership 1826–31)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific iconography represented on the enamel case back?
  • How does this particular watch compare to other known production examples from the Bautte et Moynier partnership?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bautte et Moynier Enameled Gold Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFirm of Bautte et Moynier“Watchmaker: Firm of Bautte et Moynier (Swiss, partnership 1826–31)”
Case Materialenameled gold“Case: enameled gold”
Movement Materialsgilded brass and steel with ruby endstones“Movement: gilded brass and steel with ruby endstones”
Dimensions1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)“Diameter: 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)”
Museum ID26.267.14“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 26.267.14”

Visible details

  • The watch case features a dense composition of various figures and symbols rendered in enamel and metal overlay.
  • The design on the case back incorporates numerous small icons, potentially representing astrological or zodiacal imagery.
  • The winding stem and loop are also decorated with enamel work, matching the aesthetic of the watch case.

Research qualifications

  • The exact significance of the specific figures and symbols on the case back remains unverified by the source material.
  • The source cautions that while the object is linked to a specific museum record, how far this specimen represents a wider type has not been independently verified.

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

Consulted source

Watch, Firm of Bautte et Moynier, ca. 1826–31

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ae4a389c6b

Terms in this record

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

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