Pocket watch · Chronograph pocket watch
This is an 18K gold keyless chronograph pocket watch produced in Switzerland circa 1920 under the name Contetout, associated with John Reymond. The four-body polished bassine case measures 52 mm in diameter with a gold hinged cuvette. Its white enamel dial displays black Arabic numerals with five-minute outer divisions, inner red 24-hour markings, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and a patented concentric minute and hour recorder sub-dial at 12 o'clock. The watch is powered by an 18-ligne rhodium-plated movement with 21 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring, and swan-neck micrometric regulator.
Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.
The watch is housed in a four-body 'bassine' style case constructed of 18K gold. Features include a polished finish, a gold hinged cuvette, and a 52 mm diameter. The winding crown and bow are present.
The interior mechanism and case components are documented as per auction catalog records.
The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals with five-minute outer divisions and subsidiary sunk seconds. A unique sub-dial at 12 o'clock displays minute and hour recorders using concentric hands with 12-hour and 60-minute Arabic chapters.
The dial is signed, and the hands are identified as blued steel 'spade' type.
The watch utilizes an 18-ligne (41 mm) rhodium-plated movement with 21 jewels. Technical specifications include a straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring, and a 'swan-neck' regulator.
The chronograph mechanism is patented and mounted on the back plate.
| Field | Source-reported value | Source quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | 18K gold | “Fine and rare 18K gold keyless chronograph watch” |
| Movement dimensions | 41 mm (18''') | “M. 41 mm. (18''')” |
| Jewel count | 21 jewels | “21 jewels” |
| Dial description | White enamel with Arabic numerals and concentric sub-dial | “White enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute/seconds divisions with five-minute Arabic figures, subsidiary sunk seconds, sub-dial at 12 o'clock for minute and hour recorders in a form of regular concentric minute and hour hands with Arabic 12-hour and 60-minute chapters.” |
| Case diameter | 52 mm | “Diam. 52 mm.” |
| Patent Reference | John Reymond concentric recorder patent | “On June 2, 1915, John Reymond filed for a patent for concentric minute and hour recorders.” |
| Maker | Contetout (Vers-Chez-Grosjean) | “Contetout, Vers-Chez-Grosjean, Swiss, circa 1920.” |
Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.
Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 38887569e6
Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.
