Pocket watch · Hunting-case pocket watch

Borel & Courvoisier 18K Yellow Gold Hunting-Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this 18K yellow gold hunting-case pocket watch was manufactured circa 1880–1890 by Borel & Courvoisier, Neuchâtel. Measuring 53 mm in diameter with an approximate weight of 127.2 grams, the round case features a fluted case-band and polished covers. The 18-ligne nickel-plated movement, numbered 65 047, features a straight-line equilibrated lever escapement, going barrel, cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws, screwed gold chatons, and a long index regulator. The source notes a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet hands.

Three-quarter view of the opened pocket watch showing the case-back cuvette, fluted case-band, and 18-ligne nickel-plated movement signed Borel & Courvoisier. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Pocket watch · Hunting-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Borel & Courvoisier
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 18
Source-reported date: circa 1880-1890
Country: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: 65 047

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 Construction and Exterior Characteristics

This hunting-case pocket watch features an 18K yellow gold construction measuring 53 mm in diameter, with an approximate total weight of 127.2 grams. The round case incorporates a fluted case-band along its perimeter, paired with a fluted winding crown and a rounded bow.

Both the solid outer cuvette and an inner glazed bezel ring swing open to reveal the movement. While the catalog record notes that the exterior cover and case back are polished and records the case number as 65 048, the outer surface details are not displayed in the single available photograph.

Evidence for this section

“Cover and case-back polished; fluted case-band.”
“Case No. 65 048”
“Fluted reeding is visible along the outer case band.”
“The solid outer cuvette and a separate glazed bezel ring are swung open, exposing the movement.”

Movement Architecture and Signatures

The watch is powered by an 18-ligne nickel-plated movement signed on a bridge with 'Borel & Courvoisier Neuchâtel' and numbered 65 047 (inscribed as 65047). The mechanism is constructed with screwed gold chatons, visible winding wheels, and a going barrel.

Regulating components visible beneath the glazed cover include a cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws, a blued steel hairspring, and an index regulator with a long tail. The catalog description additionally specifies a straight-line equilibrated lever escapement and a hairspring terminal curve.

Evidence for this section

“A movement bridge is engraved with 'Borel & Courvoisier Neuchâtel' and movement number 65047.”
“Movement 18’’’, nickel-plated, going barrel, gold screwed-chatons (setting), straight-line equilibrated lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws and blued steel hairspring with terminal curve, polished steel index-regulator with long tall.”
“Movement features screwed gold chatons, visible winding wheels, and a compensated balance with a blued steel hairspring.”

Dial Details and Source Documentation Limits

According to the auction listing, the front of the watch features a white enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds positioned at 6 o'clock, and blued steel Breguet hands. Because the provided visual record only displays the opened movement and inner covers, the dial and hands are not visible and rely on catalog reporting.

Furthermore, the date of manufacture is reported as circa 1880–1890, representing an approximate catalog estimate rather than an archival production date.

Evidence for this section

“White enamel dial, with radial Roman numerals; blued steel “Breguet” hands.”
“pocket watch, with subsidiary seconds at 6.”
“Year circa 1880-1890”

Open research questions

Are internal gold hallmarks or maker stamps present inside case number 65 048?
Does the white enamel dial exhibit any hairline cracks or chips around the subsidiary seconds register?
Why does the movement number (65 047) differ by one unit from the case number (65 048)?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Borel & Courvoisier 18K Yellow Gold Hunting-Case Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Case Material	18K yellow gold	“Material 18K yellow gold”
Dimensions	53 mm	“Dimensions 53 mm.”
Movement Number	65 047	“Movement No. 65 047”
Case Number	65 048	“Case No. 65 048”
Caliber	18’’’	“Caliber 18’’’, straight-line equilibrated lever escapement”
Weight	127.2 gr. (approx.)	“Weight 127.2 gr. (approx.)”
Maker Location	Neuchâtel	“Brand Borel & Courvoisier, Neuchâtel”
Escapement Configuration	Straight-line equilibrated lever escapement	“straight-line equilibrated lever escapement”
Winding Configuration	Keyless-winding	“18K yellow gold, hunting-case, keyless-winding, round-shaped, pocket watch”

Visible details

Fluted reeding is visible along the outer case band.
The solid outer cuvette and a separate glazed bezel ring are swung open, exposing the movement.
A movement bridge is engraved with 'Borel & Courvoisier Neuchâtel' and movement number 65047.
Winding crown is fluted and paired with a round bow.
Movement features screwed gold chatons, visible winding wheels, and a compensated balance with a blued steel hairspring.

Research qualifications

Dial and hands are not visible in the provided image.
Engravings on the exterior of the hunting covers are not shown in this view.

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

Consulted source

Borel & Courvoisier Pocket watch; 18K yellow gold | Only Online Auction | Hong Kong, October 14, 2021

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e26aed4994

Terms in this record

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