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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-wind hunting case pocket watch

Czapek & Cie. 18k gold key-wind pocket watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch is catalogued by Christie's as an early key-wind and key-set timepiece produced by Czapek & Cie., dating to circa 1852. The 32 mm case is crafted from 18k gold and features decorative enamel. It houses a manual-wind gilt cylinder calibre dedicated to time-only indication. The white enamel dial displays elongated black Roman numerals along with Breguet-style hands, framed within a hinged case complete with an arched winding bow and pendant.

Dial and open front lid view of the Czapek & Cie. 18k gold pocket watch
Dial and open front lid view of the Czapek & Cie. 18k gold pocket watch — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-wind hunting case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Czapek & Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
77
Source-reported date
circa 1852
Country
Switzerland

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

Identity and Provenance

This timepiece is attributed to the manufacture Czapek & Cie. The source notes that François Czapek established his own company, Czapek & Cie., in 1851 following the termination of his cooperation with Patek in 1845.

The watch is catalogued by the source as dating to circa 1852.

Evidence for this section
  • “Czapek terminated his cooperation with Patek and set up its own company Czapek & Cie. in 1851”
  • “CIRCA: 1852”

Case and Exterior Features

The hunting-style case is constructed from 18k gold with a diameter of 32 mm. The exterior features blue enamel decorative elements.

The condition report notes that the case exhibits scratches and slight loss of the blue enamel. The blue enamel specifically exhibits scratches on both sides, while the dust cover and inside case back exhibit light scratches.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 18k gold”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 32mm”
  • “The case is in good condition with scratches.”
  • “There is slight loss of the blue enamel on the case.”
  • “The blue enamel has scratches on both sides.”
  • “The dust cover and inside case back have light scratches.”

Dial and Mechanism

The watch is fitted with an enamel dial and uses a gilt cylinder movement for time-only functions. The dial and hands appear to be original.

The movement was reported to be in working order at the time of cataloging, though it has not been tested for accuracy and a service is recommended.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Enamel”
  • “CALIBER: Gilt cylinder”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Time only”
  • “The dial and hands appear to be original.”
  • “The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch.”
  • “The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended given the age of the watch.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific hallmarking details on the 18k gold case?
  • What specific engravings or serial identifiers, if any, are present on the movement or case interiors?
  • Are there specific horological records or archives from Czapek & Cie. that correlate the production date to 1852?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Czapek & Cie. 18k gold key-wind pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k gold“CASE MATERIAL: 18k gold”
Case Diameter32mm“CASE DIAMETER: 32mm”
Dial MaterialEnamel“DIAL: Enamel”
Movement CaliberGilt cylinder“CALIBER: Gilt cylinder”
FunctionsTime only“FUNCTIONS: Time only”
Circa1852“CIRCA: 1852”
MovementManual-wind“MOVEMENT: Manual”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track
  • Open hunting-style front lid showing engine-turned or patterned gold detailing
  • Blued Breguet-style open-tipped hands
  • Gold pendant and circular bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial orientation

Research qualifications

  • The movement and case back interiors are not visible in the provided photo
  • Loss and scratching of the blue enamel referenced in the report are not fully visible in the open front-dial view

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

Consulted source

CZAPEK & CIE, AN EARLY KEY WIND & KEY SET POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 966b4f2738

Terms in this record

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