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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face minute repeating pocket watch

C.H. Meylan 18K Gold Minute Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face minute repeating pocket watch is signed by C.H. Meylan on the dial and movement. The yellow-gold case measures 47 mm in diameter with a total reported gross weight of 85.0 grams and features a slide activator on the band. The white dial displays Arabic numerals, an outer minute track with red five-minute markers, feuille hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. According to the auction catalog, the watch houses a jeweled mechanical movement numbered 5403 with crown winding and setting, as well as a split bi-metallic screw balance.

Dial view of the C.H. Meylan 18K gold open-face minute repeating pocket watch
Dial view of the C.H. Meylan 18K gold open-face minute repeating pocket watch — John Moran Auctioneers, Inc.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
C.H. Meylan
Reference
4584 117
Catalogue / lot identifier
0128
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
5403

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 Presentation

The pocket watch features an open-face yellow gold case reported as 18K gold and measuring 47 mm in diameter, with a stated gross weight of 85.0 grams. Visible case elements include a ribbed winding crown, matching bow, and a slide activator situated along the case band.

The auction catalog records that the case back features an engraved monogram. Because the available visual record shows only a frontal view of the dial, the monogram design, interior hallmarks, and cuvette stamps are not visible in the provided photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 47 mm, 18K gold with slide activator for repeater function, case back with monogram”
  • “Open-face yellow gold case with a ribbed crown, bow, and slide activator on the right side of the case band”
  • “85.0 grams”

Dial Design and Typography

The white dial displays black Arabic numerals for the hours, accompanied by an outer minute track featuring red five-minute interval markers. Time is shown via dark feuille-style hour and minute hands, with a sunken subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.

Directly below the 12 o'clock position, the dial is signed across two lines with 'C. H. MEYLAN / BRASSUS'. The auction catalog describes the layout as a 'double sunk secondary seconds register.'

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Arabic numerals and red outer five-minute interval numbers”
  • “Feuille-style hour and minute hands with a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock”
  • “Dial signed 'C. H. MEYLAN / BRASSUS' below 12 o'clock”
  • “Dial: White dial with Arabic numerals, feuille hands and double sunk secondary seconds register.”

Reported Movement and Technical Specifications

According to the auctioneer's catalog, the timepiece contains a jeweled mechanical movement numbered 5403, equipped with a split bi-metallic screw set balance and configured for crown winding and setting. The movement is cataloged as signed 'C.H. Meylan'.

The movement incorporates a minute repeating complication actuated by the case slide activator. Because movement photography is not included in the source documentation, details regarding jewel count, caliber layout, and finishing cannot be verified beyond the catalog description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Jeweled mechanical movement number 5403, split bi-metallic screw set balance, crown wind and set, signed C.H. Meylan”
  • “Case: 47 mm, 18K gold with slide activator for repeater function”
  • “18K gold open face minute repeater”

Open research questions

  • What specific monogram or initials are engraved on the exterior case back?
  • What markings, purity hallmarks, or case maker stamps are present on the inside of the case back and cuvette?
  • What is the total jewel count and bridge architecture of movement number 5403?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for C.H. Meylan 18K Gold Minute Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference4584 117“Ref: 4584 117”
Case Material18K gold“18K gold open face minute repeater”
Case Diameter47 mm“Case: 47 mm, 18K gold with slide activator for repeater function”
Movement Number5403“Jeweled mechanical movement number 5403, split bi-metallic screw set balance, crown wind and set, signed C.H. Meylan”
Gross Weight85.0 grams“85.0 grams”
Case Back FeatureMonogrammed“case back with monogram”
Dial SinkingDouble sunk secondary seconds register“double sunk secondary seconds register”

Visible details

  • Open-face yellow gold case with a ribbed crown, bow, and slide activator on the right side of the case band
  • White dial with black Arabic numerals and red outer five-minute interval numbers
  • Dial signed 'C. H. MEYLAN / BRASSUS' below 12 o'clock
  • Feuille-style hour and minute hands with a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Movement number 5403 and split bi-metallic balance are stated by the source catalog but not visible in the provided image
  • Monogrammed case back noted in description is not depicted

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

Consulted source

A Minute Repeating Pocket Watch, C.h. Meylan - Dec 5, 2023 | John Moran Auctioneers, Inc. In Ca

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 6676dcc70e

Terms in this record

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