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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Doret Hunter Case Pocket Watch in Bates & Bacon Regal Case

Partially verified

The source reports a Swiss-type hunter case pocket watch fitted with a white porcelain dial signed Doret in script. The dial features Roman numeral hour markers, an outer five-minute track calibrated 5 to 60, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, with time displayed by black spade-style hands. The manual-wind, lever-set movement is housed in an ornate 14-karat gold-filled case manufactured by Bates & Bacon under the Regal brand, stamped with serial number 664189 and warranted for 10 years. The case exterior exhibits engine-turned and hand-engraved scrollwork, floral motifs, an unengraved cartouche, and coin-edge reeding.

Front view of the Doret hunter case pocket watch with lid open, displaying the white enamel dial and engraved gold-filled case
Front view of the Doret hunter case pocket watch with lid open, displaying the white enamel dial and engraved gold-filled case — Palmer's Auction Co. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Doret
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0171
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
664189

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

Dial and Visual Presentation

The pocket watch features a white porcelain dial inscribed 'Doret' in black script below the 12 o'clock marker. The dial layout includes black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer peripheral track with Arabic numerals marked at five-minute intervals from 5 to 60, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock. Black spade-style hands indicate the time.

Visible observation shows an open front hunter lid hinged to the left with engraved scrollwork decoration. The case band features coin-edge reeding, paired with a fluted winding crown and circular bow at the pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Swiss-type hunter case pocket watch featuring a white porcelain dial signed Doret in black script.”
  • “The dial is configured with Roman numeral hour markers, an outer track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals from 5 to 60, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position.”
  • “The time is indicated by black spade-style hands.”
  • “Open front hunter lid hinged on the left showing engraved scrollwork decoration”
  • “Pendant with fluted winding crown, circular bow, and coin-edge reeding around the case band”

Case Construction and Manufacturer Markings

The movement is housed in an ornate metal hunter case decorated with engine-turned and hand-engraved scrollwork, floral motifs, and a central unengraved cartouche. The rim displays a reeded coin-edge design.

Inside the case back, engine-turned circular decoration surrounds multiple stamped marks. An upper curved mark reads 'WARRANTED', followed by the initials 'B & B'. Below, the brand name 'REGAL' is stamped above '10 YEARS' and '14 K', with serial stamp '664189' at the bottom. The listing attributes these markings to the American manufacturer Bates & Bacon and states the material is 14-karat gold-filled warranted for ten years of wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “The manual-wind, lever-set movement is housed in an ornate metal case featuring elaborate engine-turned and hand-engraved scrollwork, floral motifs, and a central unengraved cartouche.”
  • “The case edge is finished with a reeded coin-edge design.”
  • “The interior of the case back features engine-turned circular decoration and is stamped with several marks. An upper curved mark reads WARRANTED, followed by the initials B & B. Below this, the brand name REGAL is stamped above the phrases 10 YEARS and 14 K. A numerical stamp 664189 appears at the bottom.”
  • “These markings indicate the case was produced by the American manufacturer Bates & Bacon and consists of 14 karat gold-filled material warranted for ten years of wear.”

Movement Description and Condition Notes

The source describes the watch as having a Swiss-type manual-wind, lever-set movement visible through an internal dust cover, exhibiting traditional brass-toned plates and steel components.

The listing reports that the watch does not run. Steel movement components show oxidation and surface grime. On the exterior, the seller notes light surface wear and tarnish consistent with age, alongside a localized area of green oxidation near the hinge, while the porcelain dial is reported free of visible hairlines or chips in listing photos.

Evidence for this section
  • “The manual-wind, lever-set movement is housed in an ornate metal case”
  • “The movement is visible through the internal dust cover and shows traditional brass-toned plates and steel components.”
  • “The internal movement shows surface grime and signs of oxidation on the steel parts (photo 7). The watch does not run.”
  • “The porcelain dial is in good condition with no visible hairlines or chips (photo 6). The case displays light surface wear and tarnish consistent with age, with a small area of green oxidation visible near the case hinge (photo 7).”

Open research questions

  • Which Swiss movement manufacture or ebauche corresponds to the plates beneath the dust cover?
  • What is the physical size or standard pocket watch gauge (e.g., ligne or American size) of the Bates & Bacon case and movement?
  • What specific mechanical failure or condition causes the movement not to run?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Doret Hunter Case Pocket Watch in Bates & Bacon Regal Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial SignatureDoret“featuring a white porcelain dial signed Doret in black script”
Movement MechanismManual-wind, lever-set“The manual-wind, lever-set movement is housed in an ornate metal case”
Case ManufacturerBates & Bacon“These markings indicate the case was produced by the American manufacturer Bates & Bacon”
Case Material and Warranty14K gold-filled, warranted 10 years“consists of 14 karat gold-filled material warranted for ten years of wear”
Case Serial Number664189“A numerical stamp 664189 appears at the bottom.”
Case Warranty Stamp10 YEARS“Below this, the brand name REGAL is stamped above the phrases 10 YEARS and 14 K.”
Internal Dust CoverPresent“The movement is visible through the internal dust cover”

Visible details

  • White porcelain dial with black Roman numerals, an outer five-minute track numbered 5 to 60, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Dial signed 'Doret' in script below the 12 o'clock marker
  • Open front hunter lid hinged on the left showing engraved scrollwork decoration
  • Pendant with fluted winding crown, circular bow, and coin-edge reeding around the case band

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the watch does not run
  • Caliber, jewel count, and precise date of production are not documented in the listing

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

Consulted source

Doret Hunter Case Pocket Watch In 14k Gold Filled Bates And Bacon Regal Case Auction

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 827ba7751f

Terms in this record

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

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