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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Scent flask watch

Double scent flask with integrated watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold and enamel double scent flask incorporates a miniature watch. Attributed to Geneva circa 1870 and identified as made for the Oriental market, the object is designed in the form of a Royal seal. The shaft is ornamented with lengthwise diamond settings separated by fluting, featuring a center section of translucent red enamel over flinqué, decorated with four-petal diamond flowers. The head of the flask is a diamond-set crown, which unscrews to provide access to a scent container. The bottom section, which is diamond-set and engraved, houses a watch movement and covers a second scent container. Winding is performed via an engraved rotating bezel. The watch component features a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and blued steel spade hands. The nickel movement is shaped with semi-circular wings, utilizing a cylinder escapement and a 10-jewel configuration with a three-arm gilded balance.

18K gold and enamel double scent flask, showing the diamond-set shaft and the watch face integrated into the base.
18K gold and enamel double scent flask, showing the diamond-set shaft and the watch face integrated into the base. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Scent flask watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
436
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Source-reported place
Geneva

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

Construction and Design

The object functions as a dual-chambered scent flask. The primary body features an elongated shaft set with rows of diamonds separated by fluting. A central band displays translucent red enamel applied over a flinqué engine-turned surface, adorned with four-petal diamond flowers. A diamond-encrusted crown serves as the cap for the primary scent container.

The base of the flask is square-shaped, heavily engraved, and set with diamonds. This section contains the integrated timepiece, which is protected by the base cover. A secondary scent container is accessed through the bottom, while a hinged side panel allows access to the setting aperture.

Evidence for this section
  • “Shaft set lengthwise with good quality diamonds, separated by fluting”
  • “center in translucent red enamel over flinqué with four-petal diamond-set flowers”
  • “the head with a diamond-set crown, which when unscrewed reveals the scent container”

Movement and Horological Mechanism

The integrated watch movement is specifically shaped with a circular center and semi-circular wings to accommodate the geometry of the flask's base. The movement is constructed of nickel and includes 10 jewels. It is regulated by a cylinder escapement paired with a three-arm gilded balance and a flat balance-spring.

A notable technical feature is the winding system. The user operates the watch by rotating the engraved bezel, which is integrated into the base assembly. This mechanism represents an early application of bezel-winding, a design that preceded the patent obtained by M. LeCoultre in 1889.

Evidence for this section
  • “Shaped, circular center with semi-circular wings, 11 x 15.7 mm”
  • “cylinder escapement, three-arm, gilded balance”
  • “winding by means of rotating bezel”

Attribution and Condition

The piece is unsigned and is attributed by the auction description to Geneva, circa 1870. The design, including the use of enamel and extensive diamond setting, is associated with the Oriental market. The piece is accompanied by an attached gold suspension chain featuring a finished gold ring.

According to the auction description, the condition is assessed with a grade of AAA for overall quality. Individual components are graded as follows: the case is rated as 3 (Good), the movement as 3 (Good), and the dial as 3-5-01.

Evidence for this section
  • “Unsigned, probably Geneva, circa 1870, made for the Oriental market”
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent”
  • “Case: 3 Good Movement: 3 Good Dial: 3 - 5 - 01”

Open research questions

  • Can the unsigned movement be matched to a specific Geneva movement manufacturer active in 1870?
  • Are there archival records linking this flask design to specific retailers serving the Oriental market in the late 19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Double scent flask with integrated watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18K gold, enamel, diamonds“18K gold and enamel diamond-set double scent flask”
Length106 mm“Dim. Length 106 mm”
EscapementCylinder“cylinder escapement”
Movement dimensions11 x 15.7 mm“11 x 15.7 mm, nickel”
Jewel count10“10 jewels”
Winding systemRotating bezel“winding by means of rotating bezel”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Diamond-set crown top piece
  • Translucent red flinqué enamel center band
  • Integrated gold suspension chain with ring

Research qualifications

  • Unsigned, origin attributed to Geneva
  • Exact intended market for the flask remains a historical attribution

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

Consulted source

Unsigned, probably Geneva, circa 1870, made for the Oriental market.Very fine and very rare 18K gold and enamel diamond-set double scent flask in the form of a Royal seal, fitted with a watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 33b4dd4d1f

Terms in this record

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