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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Courvoisier & Co. Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold open-face pocket watch by Courvoisier & Co. dates to approximately 1800. The timepiece is characterized by a Directoire design and a key-winding mechanism. It features three distinct horological complications: a quarter-repeater that strikes on a single bell via the pendant, a date display on a subsidiary dial positioned at 12 o'clock, and a second meridian time display on a subsidiary dial at 3 o'clock. The movement is a 19''' gilded brass full-plate calibre, equipped with a fusee and chain, a verge escapement, a polished steel monometallic balance, and a blued steel flat hairspring. The mechanism is protected by a pierced and engraved gilded continental cock. Both the dial and movement are signed by Courvoisier & Co. The watch measures 57.4 mm in diameter and remains in a documented state of preservation.

Front view showing the three subsidiary dials and 18K yellow gold case.
Front view showing the three subsidiary dials and 18K yellow gold case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Courvoisier & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
53
Source-reported date
circa 1800
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
5 297

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 Design

The pocket watch features an 18K yellow gold open-face case. The watch is wound by a key.

The dial is arranged with three subsidiary indicators. A subsidiary dial located at the 12 o'clock position displays the date of the month, while a subsidiary dial at the 3 o'clock position tracks the hours and minutes of a second meridian. The primary dial serves as the main time display.

Evidence for this section
  • “18K yellow gold, open-face, key-winding, round-shaped, "Directoire" pocket watch, hinged case-back”
  • “Date of the month (subsidiary dial at 12 o'clock)”
  • “Hours and minutes of a second meridian (subsidiary dial at 3 o'clock)”

Movement and Complications

The timepiece is powered by a 19''' full-plate movement constructed of gilded brass. It utilizes a traditional fusee and chain arrangement in conjunction with a verge escapement. The regulator assembly features a polished steel monometallic balance paired with a blued steel flat hairspring. The balance is secured by a pierced and engraved gilded continental cock.

A notable feature of this calibre is the integration of a quarter-repeater complication. This function operates on a single bell and is triggered by the user depressing the pendant on the watch case.

Evidence for this section
  • “19''', full plate, gilded brass, with fusee and chain, verge escapement, monometallic balance (polished steel) and blued steel flat hairspring, pierced and engraved gilded continental cock”
  • “Quarter-repeater on one bell (activated by depressing the pendant)”

Signatures and Reported Condition

The watch is signed by Courvoisier & Co. on both the dial and the movement. The serial number recorded for the movement is 40 588, and the case bears the number 5 297.

The auction house reports the watch condition in their grading system as generally good, though they note that the dial displays slight damage.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signature dial and movement”
  • “Movement No. 40 588”
  • “Case No. 5 297”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Slightly damaged”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific historical location of the Courvoisier & Co. workshop during the production of this watch?
  • To what extent is the current movement finish original to the circa 1800 manufacture date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Courvoisier & Co. Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCourvoisier & Co.“COURVOISIER & CO.”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold”
Dimensions57.4 mm“Ø 57.4 mm.”
Movement Serial40 588“Movement No. 40 588”
Case Serial5 297“Case No. 5 297”
Datecirca 1800“circa 1800”
ComplicationsQuarter-repeater, date, second meridian“three horological complications: - Quarter-repeater on one bell (activated by depressing the pendant) - Date of the month (subsidiary dial at 12 o'clock) - Hours and minutes of a second meridian (subsidiary dial at 3 o'clock)”

Visible details

  • Three-dial configuration on white dial
  • Pendant activation for the repeater function
  • Pierced and engraved gilded continental cock
  • Gilded brass full-plate movement construction

Research qualifications

  • Movement overhaul recommended by the auction house
  • Exact manufacturing origin not specified in the provided data

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

Consulted source

COURVOISIER & CO. POCKET WATCH WITH THREE HOROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS, INCLUDING QUARTERREPEATER, DATE AND SECOND MERIDIAN; 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record df1f897bd8

Terms in this record

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

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