Pocket watch · Repeating watch

Desoutter gold keyless wind open faced repeater pocket watch with moon phase

Partially verified

This open-faced repeating pocket watch signed Desoutter on the case and dial dates to circa 1840 according to the auctioneer. Sized at 53 mm in diameter, it features an unmarked gold case with a snap back with engine-turned decoration. The silver dial shows off-centre time display with Roman numerals, a small seconds subdial, and an integrated moon phase aperture at 12 o'clock, complemented by open-tipped Breguet-style hands. The keyless wind movement incorporates a lever escapement, bimetallic split balance, flat balance spring, and repeater mechanism.

Dial view of the Desoutter open-faced repeater pocket watch showing the moon phase aperture — Dreweatts 1759 Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: auctions.dreweatts.com
Category: Pocket watch · Repeating watch
Form: Repeater pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Desoutter
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 202
Source-reported date: circa 1840
Source-reported place: Not established

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 External Construction

The watch features a gold, open-faced case with a snap-on back, measuring 53 mm in diameter. The case back is decorated with engine-turned patterns. The case is described as unmarked, and the watch is suspended by a circular top bow attached to a gold chain, which is stamped 18ct.

The crown shows light scratches when examined under a 4x loupe. The auction house reports the case is in good condition, noting minor marks and scratches.

Evidence for this section

“Case: Gold case, snap case back with engine turned decoration, unmarked”
“Size: 53mm”
“Crown has light scratches when viewed under a 4x loupe”
“Case appears to be in good condition with minor scratches and marks.”
“suspended on a gold chain, stamped 18ct”

Dial and Visual Features

The silver dial features an off-centre chapter ring with Roman numerals and open-tipped Breguet-style hands. An integrated moon phase aperture is positioned at 12 o'clock, above the hour chapter ring. A subsidiary seconds dial is located between the 7 and 8 o'clock markers.

The central dial zone and the surrounding plate exhibit engine-turned guilloché patterning. The dial shows signs of tarnishing and light scratches when viewed under a 4x loupe.

Evidence for this section

“Dial: Silver”
“Moon phase aperture situated above the main hour chapter ring at 12 o'clock”
“Engine-turned guilloché patterning on the central dial zone and surrounding silver plate”
“Dial appears to be in an average condition with some light marks and scratches when viewed under a 4x loupe. Tarnishing to the dial”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The movement is a keyless wind design featuring a lever escapement, bimetallic split balance, and a flat balance spring. It includes a repeater mechanism, which the condition report states is functioning but slow and in need of attention.

The movement exhibits scratches, marks, and tarnishing. The auction house does not provide a guarantee regarding the working order or accuracy of the timepiece.

Evidence for this section

“Movement: Lever escapement, bimetallic split balance, flat balance spring, repeater work”
“Repeater work functioning, but slowly and requires attention”
“Movement has scratches, marks and tarnishing commensurate with general wear visible when viewed under a 4x loupe.”
“Dreweatts 1759 do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold”

Open research questions

How does the stated date of circa 1840 align with the documented history of Louis Albert Desoutter, who reportedly emigrated to London in 1883?
Are there any internal maker's marks or serial numbers on the movement that corroborate the Desoutter signature on the dial and case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Desoutter gold keyless wind open faced repeater pocket watch with moon phase
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Case Size	53mm	“Size: 53mm”
Dial Material	Silver	“Dial: Silver”
Escapement	Lever escapement	“Movement: Lever escapement, bimetallic split balance, flat balance spring, repeater work”
Signatures	Signed on case and dial	“Signed: Case, dial”
Provenance	Sir David Goldsmid-Stern-Salomons Bt	“From the collection of Sir David Goldsmid-Stern-Salomons Bt (28 January 1851 - 19 April 1925), thence by direct family descent.”
Provenance	Collection of Sir David Goldsmid-Stern-Salomons Bt	“From the collection of Sir David Goldsmid-Stern-Salomons Bt (28 January 1851 - 19 April 1925), thence by direct family descent.”
Stated Date	circa 1840	“CIRCA 1840”

Visible details

Moon phase aperture situated above the main hour chapter ring at 12 o'clock
Engine-turned guilloché patterning on the central dial zone and surrounding silver plate
Off-centre chapter ring with Roman numerals and open-tipped Breguet-style hands
Subsidiary seconds dial positioned between the 7 and 8 o'clock markers
Suspended by a circular top bow attached to a link chain

Research qualifications

The auction house condition report notes that the repeater work functions slowly and requires attention
The gold case back is unmarked for fineness or hallmarks

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