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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting-cased keyless pocket watch

Berthold Reymond 'Helvetia' Hunting-Cased Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This hunting-cased keyless pocket watch, signed by Berthold Reymond, dates to approximately 1890. It is constructed in 18K gold and features extensive enamel decoration. The front cover is set with a central Swiss shield surmounted by William Tell's hat, encircled by champleve enamel shields representing the 22 Swiss Cantons within an engraved foliate border. The reverse of the case depicts the classical figure of 'Helvetia' within an alpine landscape, surrounded by engraved foliate, scroll, and trophy motifs. The watch features a white enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and Arabic five-minute numerals, complemented by blued steel spade hands. Internally, the 19-ligne frosted gilt bar calibre movement is equipped with 18 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring and index regulator.

The hinged and sprung front cover of the Berthold Reymond pocket watch, featuring the Swiss arms and the shields of the 22 cantons.
The hinged and sprung front cover of the Berthold Reymond pocket watch, featuring the Swiss arms and the shields of the 22 cantons. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting-cased keyless pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Berthold Reymond
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
12
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
8157

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 Decoration

The watch is housed in a four-body 18K gold 'bassine et filets' hunting case. The exterior surfaces are finished with intricate engraved foliate, scroll, and trophy border patterns, with the case band and borders featuring geometric engravings.

The reverse cover features an oval enamel vignette depicting the allegorical figure of Helvetia set against an alpine landscape. This detailed work is framed by elaborate gold engraving. The hinged gold cuvette provides protection for the internal movement, and the winding is achieved via a keyless mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, ?bassine et filets?, the band and borders engraved with geometric patterns”
  • “back cover decorated with an oval painted on enamel vignette depicting the classical figure of ?Helvetia? in an alpine landscape”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The movement is a 19-ligne frosted gilt bar calibre featuring a straight-line lever escapement. Regulation of the timing is managed through an index regulator, while the balance assembly consists of a cut bimetallic compensation balance paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The movement contains 18 jewels.

Technical performance is maintained through the traditional balance arrangement. The auction report notes that the movement is scratched and requires an overhaul, which would be conducted at the purchaser's expense.

Evidence for this section
  • “19???, frosted gilt, bar calibre, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Dial and Condition

The dial is finished in white enamel and follows a standard layout with radial Roman numerals for the hours. It includes an outer minute track and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The time is indicated by blued steel spade hands. The dial is signed by the maker.

Condition reports provided by the auction house classify the movement as having some scratching and oxidation, with an overhaul suggested. The case is described as being in good condition despite some surface oxidation and slight rusting. The hands are reported as original to the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals”
  • “Blued steel ?spade? hands”
  • “Movement: 3-9* Good Scratched Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific connection, if any, between Berthold Reymond and the production of Swiss patriotic-themed enamels?
  • Does the specific arrangement of the 22 shields provide evidence for the exact manufacturing year within the circa 1890 window?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Berthold Reymond 'Helvetia' Hunting-Cased Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBerthold Reymond“Berthold Reymond”
Serial Number8157“No. 8157”
Datecirca 1890“Made circa 1890”
Case Material18K gold“18K gold”
Movement Calibre19 ligne frosted gilt bar calibre“19???, frosted gilt, bar calibre”
EscapementStraight line lever“straight line lever escapement”
Diameter49 mm“Diam. 49 mm”

Visible details

  • The front cover is decorated with a Swiss coat of arms in enamel.
  • The band and case borders feature engraved geometric patterns.
  • The dial is fitted with blued steel spade-style hands.
  • The case is a four-body 'bassine et filets' construction.

Research qualifications

  • The movement requires an overhaul, according to the auction report.
  • The case exhibits signs of oxidation and slight rusting.

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

Consulted source

'Helvetia' Berthold Reymond, Swiss, No. 8157. Made circa 1890. Fine and rare, 18K gold and painted on enamel huntingcased keyless pocket watch decorated with the shields of the 22 Swiss Cantons.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 07579d99fd

Terms in this record

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

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