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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

C. and W. Scott & Co. Minute Repeating Hunting Cased Watch

Partially verified

This minute repeating pocket watch by C. and W. Scott & Co. of London, number 10960, is dated to approximately 1890. It is described as being made for the Indian market. The watch features an 18-karat gold and turquoise enamel hunting case with a diamond-set rosette pattern on the cover and back. The case band, bezels, pendant, and bow exhibit a chased vermicelli decoration. Inside is a frosted and gilt 16-size movement of three-quarter plate construction, incorporating 20 jewels in screwed settings and an English lateral lever escapement with a pointed tooth escape wheel. The watch utilizes a cut bimetallic balance and a free sprung blued steel helical balance spring. Time is displayed on an engraved gold dial featuring Roman numerals and a sunk subsidiary seconds register. Minute repetition is activated via a slide located in the case band.

Front view of the gold hunting-cased watch showing the engraved dial, turquoise enamel cover, and chased decoration on the pendant and bow.
Front view of the gold hunting-cased watch showing the engraved dial, turquoise enamel cover, and chased decoration on the pendant and bow. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
C. and W. Scott & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
606
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
London
Source-reported serial
10960

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 Construction

The watch is housed in a four-body hunting case identified as a massive 'bassine et filets' style. The exterior features turquoise enamel on the cover and back, which is inlaid with a diamond rosette pattern. Decorative chasing in a vermicelli motif is applied to the band, bezels, pendant, and bow of the case.

The dial is constructed from gold and is heavily engraved with a floral motif. It features Roman numeral hour markers and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial. A hinged gold cuvette protects the movement and is finished with engraved floral decoration along the border.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", band, bezels, pendant and bow with chased vermicelli decoration”
  • “cover and back of turquoise enamel, richly inlaid with diamond in rosette pattern”
  • “Gold with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds, profusely engraved with a floral decoration”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 16-size calibre featuring a frosted and gilt finish. It is constructed as a three-quarter plate movement and utilizes 20 jewels, all held in screwed settings. The watch functions as a minute repeater, with the activation slide positioned in the case band to operate the gongs.

The escapement is an English lateral lever type, equipped with a pointed tooth escape wheel. Regulation of the movement is handled by a cut bimetallic balance paired with a free sprung blued steel helical balance spring. The maker's signature is located on the back plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate, 20 jewels in screwed settings”
  • “English lateral lever escapement with pointed tooth escape wheel”
  • “cut bimetallic balance, free sprung blued steel helical balance spring”
  • “Signed on the back plate”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the object is in very good condition. It is attributed to the maker C. and W. Scott & Co. of London and dated to approximately 1890.

The watch is noted as being specifically produced for the Indian market, though no additional documentation regarding its historical ownership or specific distribution in that region is provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “In very good condition”
  • “C. and W. Scott & Co. London, No. 10960, made for the Indian Market, circa 1890”

Open research questions

  • What specific records exist for C. and W. Scott & Co. regarding watches supplied to the Indian market?
  • How does the use of a helical balance spring in this 1890s piece compare to other English lever movements of the same period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for C. and W. Scott & Co. Minute Repeating Hunting Cased Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerC. and W. Scott & Co.“C. and W. Scott & Co.”
Serial Number10960“No. 10960”
Case Material18-karat gold“18I< gold”
Diameter51 mm“Dian. 51 mm”
Jewels20“20 jewels”
EscapementEnglish lateral lever“English lateral lever escapement”
OriginLondon, made for the Indian Market“, made for the Indian Market”
DecorationTurquoise enamel and diamond inlay“cover and back of turquoise enamel, richly inlaid with diamond in rosette pattern”

Visible details

  • Engraved gold dial with Roman numerals
  • Turquoise enamel case back with diamond rosette inlay
  • Chased vermicelli decoration on the pendant and bow
  • Minute repeating slide on the case band

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance regarding its intended market is based solely on the auction description
  • The specific mechanical performance of the minute repeater is not described

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

Consulted source

C. and W. Scott & Co. London, No. 10960, made for the Indian Market, circa 1890. Very fine 18I< gold and enamel, hunting cased, diamond set, keyless, minute repeating watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 425f5635fc

Terms in this record

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

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