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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge repeating pocket watch

Charlemont Gold Openface Pocket Watch with Verge Escapement and Repetition

Partially verified

This gold openface pocket watch features an enamel dial with Arabic numerals, gilt hands, and a dial-side winding aperture near the 2 o'clock position. The gilt movement is equipped with a verge escapement, chain and fusee, and a quarter-hour repetition striking on an underside bell when the pendant is depressed. Catalogued as signed 'Charlemont à Besancon' and dating to circa 1800, the watch measures 5.5 cm in diameter. The lot includes an attached Russian 14-karat red gold watch chain with a T-bar.

Dial view of the Charlemont openface repeating pocket watch shown with its attached gold chain
Dial view of the Charlemont openface repeating pocket watch shown with its attached gold chain — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charlemont
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
261
Source-reported date
ca. 1800
Country
France

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

Dial and Exterior Construction

The timepiece features an enamel dial with Arabic numerals and gilt hands. A winding aperture is located on the dial near the 2 o'clock position. The openface watch measures 5.5 cm in diameter.

The lot includes an attached Russian 14k red gold watch chain with a length of 35 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Enamel dial with arabic numerals and gilt hands.”
  • “Winding aperture situated on the dial between 1 and 2 o'clock.”
  • “Diameter 5.5 cm.”
  • “Includes a Russian 14k red gold watch chain.”
  • “L of chain 35 cm”

Movement and Complications

The watch is powered by a gilt movement featuring a verge escapement with chain and fusee. It includes a quarter-hourly repetition mechanism that strikes on a bell located on the underside of the movement, activated by pressing the pendant.

The movement is signed 'Charlemont à Besancon'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt movement with verge escapement, chain and fusee and quarter hourly repetition to a bell on the underside.”
  • “Striking activated by pressing the pendant.”
  • “The movement signed "Charlemont à Besancon".”

Condition and Recorded Data

The auction source dates the item to approximately 1800. The winding key is noted as lacking. The watch weight is recorded as 137.1 g, and the chain weight is 25.4 g.

The catalogue entry contains the date range '1986 - 1908' regarding the chain, which is an apparent typographical error.

Evidence for this section
  • “Besancon, Charlemont, ca. 1800.”
  • “Key lacking.”
  • “Weight 137.1 g.”
  • “weight 25.4 g.”
  • “The chain Moscow, 1986 - 1908.”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the 'Charlemont' signature in Besançon watchmaking?
  • Can the Russian hallmark on the chain be verified to provide an accurate date of manufacture?
  • Are there identifiable hallmarks on the watch case that would confirm its country of origin beyond the movement signature?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charlemont Gold Openface Pocket Watch with Verge Escapement and Repetition
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureCharlemont à Besancon“The movement signed "Charlemont à Besancon".”
Movement MechanismVerge escapement, chain and fusee“Gilt movement with verge escapement, chain and fusee”
ComplicationQuarter hourly repetition to a bell on the underside“quarter hourly repetition to a bell on the underside.”
Diameter5.5 cm“Diameter 5.5 cm.”
Watch Weight137.1 g“Weight 137.1 g.”
Condition NoteKey lacking“Key lacking.”
Auction Result1.984 € (incl. premium)“Result: 1.984 € (incl. premium)”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring Breguet-style Arabic numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Winding aperture situated on the dial between 1 and 2 o'clock.
  • Gilt openface case with polished bezel and long pendant.
  • Gold-toned link watch chain terminating in a cylindrical T-bar.

Research qualifications

  • The auction catalogue explicitly notes that the winding key is lacking.
  • The chain is catalogued with the date range '1986 - 1908', which appears to be a source typographical error for 1896–1908.

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

Consulted source

A gold openface pocketwatch with verge escapement and repetition,. attached a Russian 14k gold chain - Lot 261

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record e7a89b60fb

Terms in this record

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