Pocket watch · Repeating watch

E. Huguenin Co., Locle, Minute Repeating Enamel Pocket Watch with Portrait of Prince Tahmasp Mirza

Partially verified

This 18 karat gold hunting case minute repeating pocket watch is attributed by the auction source to E. Huguenin Co. of Le Locle, dated to circa 1875. The case measures 56.5 mm in diameter and features polychrome guilloché enamel decoration. The visible rear cover depicts a portrait miniature identified as Qajar Prince Tahmasp Mirza, framed by a floral garland within a quatrefoil border on an orange-red ground and surrounded by a blue outer rim. According to the cataloguer, the watch houses a 30-jewel nickel bar movement finished with Côtes de Genève, a lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, and gold jewel settings.

Rear cover of the E. Huguenin Co. gold hunting case pocket watch featuring an enamel portrait of Prince Tahmasp Mirza — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Pocket watch · Repeating watch
Form: Minute repeating hunting case pocket watch
Maker / attribution: E. Huguenin Co.
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 411
Source-reported date: circa 1875
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

Identity and Attribution

The object is an 18-karat gold minute repeating pocket watch attributed to E. Huguenin Co. of Locle. The auction source dates the watch to the late 19th century, with a specific circa date of 1875.

The watch features an enamel hunting case and is described as lacking an observation cuvette.

Evidence for this section

“E. Huguenin Co., Locle, a fine and rare late 19th century minute repeating enamel pocket watch”
“circa 1875”
“Lacking observation cuvette”

Case and External Decoration

The exterior of the case is decorated with guilloché enamel. The front cover displays a lion and sun emblem, while the rear cover features a portrait miniature of Prince Tahmasp Mirza.

Both the front and rear images are set within quatrefoil reserves featuring floral ornament on a red ground, further surrounded by a blue border. Additional noted features include a fluted winding crown and a hinged bow.

Evidence for this section

“18 karat, guilloche enamel hunting case”
“the front with lion and sun emblem, the back with portrait of Prince Tahmasp Mirza, each image within a quatrefoil with floral ornament on a red ground, and with blue border”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by a 30-jewel nickel bar movement finished with Côtes de Genève. The technical assembly includes a lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and gold jewel settings.

The watch is a minute repeater operated via a side slide. The auction source reports the movement is in running order but notes that it exhibits low amplitude and requires service.

Evidence for this section

“30 jewel, stem wind and lever set, cotes de Geneve decorated nickel bar movement with lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance and gold jewel settings”
“Running order (winds, sets and ticks); Low amplitude, needs service.”

Open research questions

What specific historical documentation exists for the E. Huguenin Co. concerning commissions for Qajar-period portraits?
What is the extent and nature of the noted enamel restoration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Huguenin Co., Locle, Minute Repeating Enamel Pocket Watch with Portrait of Prince Tahmasp Mirza
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	E. Huguenin Co., Locle	“E. Huguenin Co., Locle, a fine and rare late 19th century minute repeating enamel pocket watch”
Jewel Count	30 jewel	“30 jewel, stem wind and lever set”
Case Material and Decoration	18 karat, guilloche enamel hunting case	“18 karat, guilloche enamel hunting case”
Portrait Subject	Prince Tahmasp Mirza	“the back with portrait of Prince Tahmasp Mirza”
Diameter	56.5mm	“56.5mm, 139.9g TW”
Movement Finishing	côtes de Genève decorated nickel bar movement	“cotes de Geneve decorated nickel bar movement with lever escapement”
Total Weight	139.9 grams	“139.9g TW”
Dial Details	Roman numeral, double sunk, white enamel dial with plum-colored steel spade and whip hands	“roman numeral double sunk white enamel dial with plum colored steel spade and whip hands”

Visible details

Enamel miniature of a Qajar prince wearing a tall black astrakhan hat with an aigrette and purple jeweled tunic
Persian inscription painted in black on the pale blue background beside the portrait
Surrounding floral garland enclosing the central oval portrait within a quatrefoil reserve
Deep blue enamel outer border embellished with repeating white and gold foliate star motifs
Yellow-gold case with fluted onion-style winding crown and round hinged bow

Research qualifications

Source notes the enamel has undergone restoration and the watch lacks an observation cuvette
The front cover, dial, and movement are not visible in the supplied photograph and rely entirely on the auction description

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