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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Boucheron Minute Repeating Desk Clock

Partially verified

This Boucheron desk clock is an eight-day, keyless, minute-repeating timepiece dating to circa 1900. It is housed in a rectangular silver case measuring 90 x 68 x 55 mm, featuring a polished finish, moulded outswept top and base, and a silver-gilt bezel. The white enamel dial displays Breguet numerals and gilt dot minute markers, paired with blued steel Breguet-style hands. The movement is of Swiss origin, constructed with rectangular matte gilt plates and 15 jewels. It incorporates a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and a centrifugal governor for the repeating mechanism. The repeating function is activated by depressing a button situated at the top of the case, with regulation performed through the base. Both the dial and the case bear the maker's signature.

Boucheron minute-repeating desk clock showing the front profile, polished silver finish, and silver-gilt bezel.
Boucheron minute-repeating desk clock showing the front profile, polished silver finish, and silver-gilt bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Boucheron
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
370
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
679614

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 desk clock is encased in a rectangular silver body, measuring 90 mm by 68 mm by 55 mm. The design includes a polished finish, complemented by a moulded, outswept top section and a corresponding base. The dial aperture is framed by a silver-gilt bezel, which provides a contrast to the primary silver case material.

The dial consists of white enamel, upon which Breguet numerals are marked. Minute indexing is provided by a series of gilt dots arranged around the outer perimeter of the dial. Time is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands, which match the numerals in style. The dial is signed, as is the case itself.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rectangular, polished with moulded outswept top and base, silver-gilt bezel, repeat button in the top.”
  • “White enamel with Breguet numerals, outer gilt dot minute indexes. Blued steel Breguet hands.”
  • “Dial and case signed.”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The internal mechanism is an 8-day going movement, identified as Swiss. It is built using rectangular plates with a matte gilt finish. The movement incorporates 15 jewels to reduce friction and utilizes a straight-line lever escapement. Accuracy is governed by a cut bimetallic compensation balance, paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring.

The minute-repeating function is activated via a button located at the top of the clock case. This mechanism strikes on gongs and is controlled by a centrifugal governor. Regulation of the clock is performed through the base of the unit.

Evidence for this section
  • “Swiss, within rectangular matte gilt plates, 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, regulation through the base, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the button in the top of the case, centrifugal governor.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Condition and Marks

The case bears the serial number 679614, and the maker is identified as Boucheron, Paris. Specifically, the case is assigned a grade of 3, described as 'Good', and the dial is also graded 3-01, noted as 'Good'. The hands are verified as original components.

The movement is graded 3* and also noted as 'Good'. Despite the functional grading, the auction record notes that the mechanism requires maintenance.

Evidence for this section
  • “case No. 679614”
  • “Boucheron, Paris”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-01 Good HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the '19???' movement base caliber used by Boucheron?
  • Are there archival records confirming the specific commission or retail history of this desk clock case number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Boucheron Minute Repeating Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBoucheron“Boucheron, Paris”
Datecirca 1900“Made circa 1900”
Case dimensions90 x 68 x 55 mm“Dim. 90 x 68 x 55 mm”
Movement jewels15 jewels“15 jewels”
Repeating functionMinute-repeating“minute-repeating”
Case number679614“case No. 679614”
Escapement typeStraight-line lever escapement“straight-line lever escapement”
Movement regulationRegulation through the base“regulation through the base”

Visible details

  • Case features a moulded, outswept top and base with polished surfaces.
  • White enamel dial with Breguet-style numerals and gilt dot indexes.
  • Repeating button positioned at the top of the desk clock case.
  • Blued steel Breguet hands are present on the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The exact caliber of the movement is denoted as '19???' in the auction documentation.
  • The movement condition is reported as needing an overhaul.

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

Consulted source

Boucheron Minute Repeating Desk Clock Boucheron, Paris, case No. 679614. Made circa 1900. Fine and rare, silver, minute-repeating, 8-day going, keyless desk clock.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 516960966e

Terms in this record

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

Other desk clock records