Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch

Bordier ' Montre a Portrait

Partially verified

This pair-cased pocket watch, numbered 38117 and attributed to the maker Bordier in Geneva, dates to approximately 1780. The watch is constructed with a gilt brass case and features decorative enamel and paste elements. The outer case is a two-body design, with a back adorned with a painted enamel portrait of a lady, surrounded by a border of paste stones and translucent imperial blue enamel over circular engine-turning. The case band displays a repeated engraved pattern, while the front bezel is also set with paste stones. The inner case is a two-body, bassine-style, polished housing with a deep back. The watch measures 39 mm in diameter. It is powered by a 28 mm movement with a fusee and chain, a verge escapement, and a brass balance.

Front view of the Bordier pair-cased pocket watch, showing the enamel portrait and paste-set bezel.
Front view of the Bordier pair-cased pocket watch, showing the enamel portrait and paste-set bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Bordier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
289
Source-reported date
circa 1780
Source-reported place
Geneva
Source-reported serial
38117

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 Exterior Decoration

The timepiece is housed in a pair-cased configuration, primarily constructed of gilt brass. The outer case is a two-body construction featuring a decorative back panel. This panel includes a painted enamel portrait of a lady, which is framed by paste stones and a border of translucent imperial blue enamel applied over a circular engine-turned surface. The band of the case is detailed with a repeated engraved pattern, and the front bezel is also set with pastes.

The inner case is a two-body, bassine-style vessel. It is polished and designed with a deep back to accommodate the movement. The combined diameter of the timepiece is 39 mm, and the case condition is noted as containing scratches and slight chips.

Evidence for this section
  • “Outer: two-body, back with painted on enamel portrait of a lady, paste frame, translucent imperial blue enamel border over circular engine-turning”
  • “Case: 3-9-24 Good Scratched Slightly chipped”

Movement and Technical Features

The watch is powered by a 28 mm movement, which is hinged to the case. It is a frosted gilt full-plate movement constructed with pentagonal baluster pillars. The mechanical timekeeping is regulated by a fusee and chain system with a verge escapement.

The balance assembly consists of a brass balance with a flat balance spring. The movement includes a single-footed cock that is finished with a ruby-paste endstone.

Evidence for this section
  • “28 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with pentagonal baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement”
  • “brass balance with flat balance spring, single-footed cock with ruby-paste endstone.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Dial and Signatures

The dial is finished in white enamel, featuring radial Roman numerals for the hours. An outer minute track is marked with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The watch is equipped with elaborate paste-set hands.

Both the dial and the movement are signed by the maker, Bordier of Geneva.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with five-minute Arabic numerals.”
  • “Dial and movement signed.”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • Who was the intended subject of the enamel portrait?
  • Can the specific workshop production date be refined further than the circa 1780 attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bordier ' Montre a Portrait
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBordier“Bordier a Genève”
Serial Number38117“No. 38117”
Diameter39 mm“Diam. 39 mm”
Movement size28 mm“28 mm, hinged”
EscapementVerge escapement“verge escapement”
Case materialGilt brass“gilt brass and painted on enamel, paste-set, pair-cased pocket watch”
Dial descriptionWhite enamel“White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with five-minute Arabic numerals.”

Visible details

  • Outer case features a miniature painted portrait of a woman.
  • The watch includes paste-set decorative elements on the bezel and portrait border.
  • Movement is fitted with a single-footed cock featuring a ruby-paste endstone.
  • Dial displays radial Roman numerals with Arabic numerals for the five-minute marks.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the watch has a slightly chipped case and recommends an overhaul.
  • The specific identity of the lady depicted in the enamel portrait is not stated in the documentation.

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

Consulted source

Bordier ' Montre a Portrait Bordier a Genève, No. 38117. Made circa 1780. Fine and rare, gilt brass and painted on enamel, paste-set, pair-cased pocket watch. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d6d321ad92

Terms in this record

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

Other pair cased pocket watch records