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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch

Berthoud Gold and Enamel Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch is attributed to the late 18th century and is of French origin, signed 'Berthoud A PARIS' on the enamel dial and the movement plate. The watch is housed in a gold consular case featuring detailed polychrome decoration. The case rims and bezel are adorned with green and white cloisonné enamel in foliate patterns. The case back displays a wide band of transparent orange enamel over an engine-turned ground, surrounding a central disc of cloisonné enamel on a matte gold base. The watch features a white enamel dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute markers, and jewel-set hands. The movement is a full plate gilt construction with a fusee and chain transmission system and a verge escapement. The balance cock features pierced work and engraving, complemented by a steel coqueret and a three-armed gilt balance wheel with a blued steel spring.

The back of the gold and enamel watch, showing the engine-turned orange enamel and the serial number 129 on the pendant.
The back of the gold and enamel watch, showing the engine-turned orange enamel and the serial number 129 on the pendant. — Pieces of Time. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Berthoud
Reference
129
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 18th century
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
129

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 Dial

The timepiece is contained within a gold consular case decorated with multifaceted enameling techniques. The outer back of the case is finished with a broad band of transparent orange enamel applied over an engine-turned surface, centered by a cloisonné medallion on a matte gold background. The bezel and rims are embellished with green and white floral and foliate motifs.

The dial is fashioned from white enamel and features black Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes. Winding is performed through an aperture located on the dial at the two o'clock position. The hands are of an ornate style and are inset with cut stones.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از طلای باکیفیت ساخته شده و طوقه‌ها و زه‌های آن با مینای کلوازونه (Cloisonné) با طرح‌های برگی و گیاهی به رنگ‌های سبز و سفید آراسته شده‌اند.”
  • “صفحه ساعت از مینای سفید ساخته شده و کوک ساعت از طریق سوراخ تعبیه شده روی همین صفحه (محدوده ساعت دو) انجام می‌شود.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a full-plate gilt movement equipped with a fusee and chain transmission mechanism. The verge escapement is regulated by a balance cock featuring elaborate pierced and engraved detailing, which incorporates a steel coqueret.

The balance assembly consists of a three-armed gilt balance wheel paired with a blued steel hairspring. The regulator system is mounted on a silver plate with a gold indicator. The movement is constructed with round pillars to support the plate assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای ساختار تمام‌پلیت طلااندود (Full plate gilt) و سیستم انتقال نیروی زنجیر و استوانه حلزونی (Fusee) است.”
  • “چرخ‌دنگ این اثر از نوع پروانه‌ای (Verge) بوده و خروسک تعادل (Bridge cock) آن دارای برش‌کاری‌های مشبک و قلم‌زنی‌های بسیار ظریف به همراه کوکرت فولادی (Steel coqueret) است.”

Signatures and Provenance

The watch bears the signature of Berthoud on both the dial and the movement plate, indicating its production within the Paris watchmaking school. The piece is identified by the serial number 129.

This specific serial number is present on both the pendant of the watch case and the movement plate, confirming the consistency of the components.

Evidence for this section
  • “روی صفحه مینایی ساعت و همچنین بر روی صفحه موتور، نام سازنده به صورت «Berthoud A PARIS» به چشم می‌خورد”
  • “شماره سریال حک‌شده روی آویز قاب (Pendant) با شماره موجود بر روی صفحه موتور (عدد ۱۲۹) مطابقت کامل دارد.”

Open research questions

  • Does this watch relate to the specific production records of the Berthoud workshop in late 18th-century Paris?
  • Is there any historical evidence linking this specific watch to a particular provenance or collector?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Berthoud Gold and Enamel Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBerthoud“نام سازنده به صورت «Berthoud A PARIS» به چشم می‌خورد”
DateLate 18th century“متعلق به اواخر قرن هجدهم میلادی”
CountryFrance“ساخت فرانسه”
Case TypeConsular“قاب طلایی کنسولار (Consular case)”
EscapementVerge“چرخ‌دنگ این اثر از نوع پروانه‌ای (Verge) بوده”
Serial Number129“شماره سریال حک‌شده روی آویز قاب (Pendant) با شماره موجود بر روی صفحه موتور (عدد ۱۲۹) مطابقت کامل دارد”

Visible details

  • The watch features a stirrup-type bow.
  • The dial contains a winding hole positioned near the two o'clock marker.
  • The movement includes a silver regulator dial with a gold indicator.
  • The serial number 129 is engraved on the pendant and on the movement plate.

Research qualifications

  • The source does not confirm the current working condition or service history of the watch.
  • Potential buyers are advised to independently verify the integrity of the enamel and the function of the fusee chain.

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

Consulted source

Gold and Enamel French Verge

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 90cf645846

Terms in this record

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

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