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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Czapek & Cie gold enamel pocket watch

Partially verified

This 18k gold pocket watch, measuring 43 mm in diameter and weighing 69 g, is attributed to the Geneva-based firm Czapek & Cie. The case is florally engraved and features a polychrome enamelled coat of arms for the Sicilian Counts of Torremuzza, displaying a castle tower, a count's crown, and the Latin motto "ALLICIT ET TERRET". The inner gold cuvette is also florally engraved and contains a polychrome enamelled portrait medallion of Gabriello Lancelotto Castelli, Prince of Torremuzza, signed by Gaspard Lamunière. An interior lid bears the dedication "Al mio caro figlio rimembranza 1859". The watch features a bridge movement, a lever escapement, and a gold screw compensation balance. According to information provided by Philip Poniz, the piece incorporates an early crown winding and setting system and exhibits characteristics consistent with François Czapek's independent production during the latter half of the 1850s.

Exterior view of the gold pocket watch case, featuring floral engraving and the enamelled coat of arms of the Counts of Torremuzza.
Exterior view of the gold pocket watch case, featuring floral engraving and the enamelled coat of arms of the Counts of Torremuzza. — Auktionen Dr. Crott / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Czapek & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
203198262
Source-reported date
circa 1850
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3472

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 Enamel Decoration

The watch is housed in an 18k gold case featuring intensive floral engraving. The exterior back cover displays a polychrome enamelled heraldic device representing the Torremuzza branch of the Castelli family, incorporating a castle, crown, and the family motto.

The internal gold cuvette is also decorated with floral motifs and contains a polychrome enamelled portrait of Gabriello Lancelotto Castelli, Prince of Torremuzza, executed by the enameller Gaspard Lamunière. An inscription on the inner lid provides a date of 1859 in the context of a family dedication.

Evidence for this section
  • “18 K gold, florally engraved, polychrome enamelled coat of arms with castle tower and count's crown, motto "ALLICIT ET TERRET”
  • “the enamel medallion bears the signature of Gaspard Lamunière”
  • “inner lid with dedication engraving: "Al mio caro figlio rimembranza 1859”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is described as a bridge-type construction featuring a lever escapement and a gold screw compensation balance. The design utilizes an early crown winding and setting system, a feature attributed to the production of François Czapek after he established his own business following his departure from the partnership with Antoine de Patek.

The technical configuration and style are cited as indicators that the watch was produced during the second half of the 1850s, a conclusion supported by the serial number as well as the internal mourning inscription.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bridge movement, lever escapement, gold screw compensation balance.”
  • “the watch is strongly reminiscent of François Czapek's production after he started his own business. Czapek used this ébauche, this winding and setting system, as well as this case and dial style.”
  • “The watch dates to the second half of the 1850s, both stylistically and because of the mourning inscription inside the back cover.”

Provenance and Attribution

The watch is associated with the Castelli von Torremuzza family, specifically Gabriello Lancelotto Castelli, a 19th-century Sicilian liberal politician and senator. The crest on the watch is identified as belonging to the Sicilian branch of this family line.

While the auction documentation notes the watch is strongly reminiscent of François Czapek's specific technical output, the entry notes that research is required to confirm the attribution independent of the provided expert commentary.

Evidence for this section
  • “formerly owned by the Sicilian noble family Castelli von Torremuzza”
  • “The crest at hand can definitely be ascribed to the Sicilian branch of the family, it is that of the Counts of Torremuzza (Palermo).”
  • “Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific serial number 3472 be definitively linked to a Czapek & Cie factory ledger?
  • What are the specific technical distinctions in the winding system that link this watch to Czapek's production in the late 1850s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Czapek & Cie gold enamel pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18 K gold“18 K gold, florally engraved”
Movement typeBridge movement“Bridge movement, lever escapement, gold screw compensation balance.”
Case dimensions43 mm“Dimensions 43 mm”
Weight69 g“Weight 69 g”
Serial number3472“Case No. 3472”
EnamelistGaspard Lamunière“the enamel medallion bears the signature of Gaspard Lamunière”
DedicationAl mio caro figlio rimembranza 1859“inner lid with dedication engraving: "Al mio caro figlio rimembranza 1859" (To my dear son, in memory of 1859).”

Visible details

  • Case features extensive floral engraving covering the exterior surface
  • Enamelled coat of arms displays a central tower and the motto ALLICIT ET TERRET
  • Crown winding mechanism visible at the top of the case
  • Bow is integral to the winding pendant assembly

Research qualifications

  • The exact date is debated between circa 1850 and the late 1850s based on serial number and style
  • Attribution to Czapek & Cie is based on expert opinion and stylistic comparison rather than a signature

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch, gold enamel, Czapek & Cie, Geneva, 1850

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c5840ea3e5

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

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