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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair case quarter repeating pocket watch

Dufalga Geneve Gold Pair Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gold pair-case pocket watch is attributed to Philippe Cafarello of Geneva, operating under the name Dufalga Geneve, circa 1780. The watch features a white enamel dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute markers at five-minute intervals, equipped with filigree diamond-set hands. The housing comprises two gold cases; the outer case displays an enamel scene depicting Abraham offering a sacrificial lamb and is accented with rose-cut diamonds on the bezel and green gold garlands. The inner case is chased for sound transmission and houses a key-wind fusée movement with a verge escapement. The signature 'Dufalga Geneve' is found on the movement's dust cover. The watch measures 48 mm in diameter.

Front view of the Dufalga Geneve pocket watch showing the enamel dial, filigree diamond-set hands, and diamond-set bezel.
Front view of the Dufalga Geneve pocket watch showing the enamel dial, filigree diamond-set hands, and diamond-set bezel. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Pair case quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Dufalga (Philippe Cafarello)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1780
Source-reported place
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

Case and Exterior Design

The watch is constructed as a pair-case, consisting of an inner and an outer case, both rendered in gold. The outer case features an enamel depiction of Abraham with a sacrificial lamb surrounded by maidens. Decorative elements include green gold garlands applied to the edges and rose-cut diamonds set into the front bezel.

A large rose-cut diamond is set into the pendant and the pusher used to operate the repeating function. The inner case is internally chased and cut to facilitate the transmission of sound generated by the repeater mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outer case is adorned with a beautiful enamel scene depicting Abraham offering up a sacrificial lamb, surrounded by maidens.”
  • “The front bezel of the case is fully set with rose cut diamonds, while the pusher used to open the case is embellished with a large rose cut diamond.”
  • “Inside the outer case, the inner case is intricately chased and cut to allow for optimal sound transmission.”

Movement and Complications

The watch utilizes a key-wind fusée movement featuring a verge escapement. This mechanism is signed 'Dufalga Geneve' on the dust cover, which protects the movement from debris.

The horological functions include both a quarter-repeater and a 'repeater a toc' function. These mechanisms are designed to audibly indicate the time, utilizing a specific internal configuration within the gold cases to enhance acoustic performance.

Evidence for this section
  • “Beneath the dust cover lies a stunning keywind fusée with verge escapement movement, also fully signed.”
  • “Opening the inner case reveals the original dust cover, signed Dufalga Geneve.”

Dial and Hands

The dial is manufactured from white enamel and features Roman numerals for the hours. An outer minute track contains Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals to assist with reading the time.

The hands are crafted in a filigree style and are set with small diamonds, serving as the primary indicators for hours and minutes.

Evidence for this section
  • “Crafted in white enamel, it showcases Roman numerals, complemented by an outer minute track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.”
  • “The dial also boasts the original, intricate filigree diamond set hands”

Open research questions

  • What is the verified relationship between Philippe Cafarello and the Dufalga Geneva signature?
  • Are there archival records of this specific enamel-case design in 18th-century Geneva watchmaking?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dufalga Geneve Gold Pair Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1780“around 1780”
Case Diameter48 mm“Diameter: 48 mm (1.89 in)”
EscapementVerge“keywind fusée with verge escapement movement”
FeaturesQuarter repeater and repeater a toc“quarter repeater and repeater a toc function”
Case MaterialGold and enamel“Case Material: Gold,Enamel”
DialWhite enamel“Crafted in white enamel”
PendantSet with rose-cut diamond“The pendant, set with a large rose cut diamond, adds a luxurious touch.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Filigree diamond-set hands
  • Outer case with enamel scene and rose-cut diamonds
  • Green gold garland decoration

Research qualifications

  • The exact attribution to Philippe Cafarello rests on the auction description, as does the circa 1780 date.
  • The mechanical function and originality of all components depend on the provided text, which was not independently verified.

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

Consulted source

Dufalga Geneve Gold Pair Diamond And Enamel Pocket Watch - 1780

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7ad35482ad

Terms in this record

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