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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Charles Oudin 18ct Gold Astronomical Minute Repeating Hunting Cased Watch

Partially verified

This 18-karat gold hunting-cased pocket watch, numbered 21663, was sold by Charles Oudin of Paris and produced by Louis Audemars circa 1875. The 54mm diameter case is constructed in a four-body "bassine et filets" style with engine-turned decoration. Its exterior features applied gold cartouches displaying the coats-of-arms of the Ponce de Léon and De la Cerda families. The white enamel dial is equipped with Roman numerals, a moon phase aperture with a lunar calendar border, and subsidiary dials for time, day, date, and seconds. The movement, measuring 19 lignes, is constructed of gilt brass with a gold wheel train and 33 jewels, utilizing a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement and a Breguet balance spring.

The gold hunting-cased watch showing the front, back with armorial engraving, and the white enamel dial with astronomical displays.
The gold hunting-cased watch showing the front, back with armorial engraving, and the white enamel dial with astronomical displays. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charles Oudin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
115-573
Source-reported date
circa 1875
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
21663

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 Heraldry

The timepiece is housed in a substantial 54mm diameter, four-body "bassine et filets" hunting case crafted from 18-karat gold. The exterior surfaces feature extensive engine-turning, providing a textured finish to the metalwork. Applied to the front and back covers are gold cartouches intricately engraved with distinct heraldic emblems.

The imagery represents the coat-of-arms of the Ponce de Léon family, featuring a vertically striped rampant lion, and the arms of the De la Cerda family, shown within an ermine-lined peer's mantle. These shields are associated with the marriage of Louis Joaquim Fernandez de Cortoba Figueroa de la Cerda and Maria de la Conception Ponce de Léon, though the placement on separate sides of the watch is noted as unusual for joint heraldry.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", engineturned”
  • “the cover and back with applied gold cartouches engrave with both the coat-of-arms of the "Ponce de Léon" and that of the "De la Cerda" families”
  • “The quartered coat-of-arms, with an ermine lined peer's mantle, is that of the De La Cerda family, Dukes of Medina Celi”
  • “The coat-of-arms with the vertically striped rampant lion, on the left, is that of the Ponce De Léon family”

Movement and Technical Features

The watch is powered by a 19-ligne gilt brass movement equipped with a gold wheel train and 33 jewels. The timing regulation is handled by a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement coupled with a Breguet balance spring and a cut bimetallic balance. This complex assembly supports the keyless winding system and the repeating function.

The watch strikes the time on gongs, triggered by a slide mechanism integrated into the case band. Additionally, it incorporates a "diablotin" 1/5 second chronograph mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “M.19"', gilt brass with gold wheel train, 33 jewels, counterpoised straight line lever escapement”
  • “Repeating on gongs with slide in the band”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette with subsidiary inscription: "Médaille aux expositions depuis 1806 à 1864”
  • “Trade-mark of Louis Audemars punched inside back and cover”

Dial and Complications

The white enamel dial presents a complex layout designed to accommodate several astronomical and chronometric functions. The primary chapter ring features Roman numerals with an outer Arabic minute track. Subsidiary dials are sunk into the dial surface to indicate the day of the week, date, and seconds.

A concentric foudroyante display is integrated into the sub-dials, while a moon phase aperture is situated at the top, bordered by a lunar calendar. The hands are fashioned in a gold spade style. The dial is signed by Charles Oudin, and the auction description reports the object is in very good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel with Roman mnerals, outer Arabic minute ring”
  • “sunk subsidiary dials for days of the week, dates and seconds with inner indications for the month and concentric "foudroyante”
  • “moon phase aperture with lunar calendar on the border”
  • “In very good condition”

Open research questions

  • Can records from the archives of Louis Audemars confirm the sale date or the specific commission details for serial number 21663?
  • Are there specific archival documents confirming the watch's possession by the Duke of Medina Celi beyond the circumstantial heraldic evidence?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Oudin 18ct Gold Astronomical Minute Repeating Hunting Cased Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLouis Audemars“made by Louis Audemars”
RetailerCharles Oudin“Charles Oudin, Horloger de la Marine, 52 Palais Royal, Paris”
Serial Number21663“No. 21663”
Case Material18ct gold“18 ct. gold hunting cased”
Movement Calibre19 lignes“M.19"'”
ComplicationsMinute repeating, triple calendar, moon phase, 1/5 seconds diablotin“moon phase astronomical keyless minute repeating watch with triple calendar, and 1/5 seconds "diablotin”
Dial FeaturesWhite enamel with Roman numerals“White enamel with Roman mnerals”
Signature LocationsDial and cuvette“Signed the dial and cuvette.”

Visible details

  • Exterior case covers display relief-engraved coats-of-arms.
  • Dial features a central moon phase aperture and multiple recessed subsidiary registers.
  • Repeating mechanism operated by a slide positioned on the case band.
  • Engine-turned pattern visible on the case exterior.

Research qualifications

  • The ownership by Louis Tomas Fernandez de Cortoba Figueroa de la Cerda is suggested as probable but not definitively proven.
  • The specific manufacture date is an estimate attributed to the circa 1875 period.

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

Consulted source

Charles Oudin, Horloger de la Marine, 52 Palais Royal, Paris, No. 21663, made by Louis Audemars, circa 1875. Fine 18 ct. gold hunting cased, moon phase astronomical keyless minute repeating watch with triple calendar, and 1/5 seconds "diablotin".

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record cc88b44b1e

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

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