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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating chronograph pocket watch

E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold pocket watch by E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie, Lucerne, dated to circa 1910, is a keyless, quarter-repeating chronograph timepiece. The watch features a three-body "demi-bassine" case with a polished finish and a hinged gold cuvette. The white enamel dial is accented by painted Arabic numerals, outer minute and chronograph divisions, and includes subsidiary dials for seconds and a 30-minute register. Blued steel spade hands indicate the time. The movement is an 18'' nickel-finished caliber containing 38 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring, supported by a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The chronograph works are visible, and the quarter-repeating function is operated via a slide on the case band. The case is signed and numbered 37014.

Front view of the 18K yellow gold E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie pocket watch showing the enamel dial and subsidiary registers.
Front view of the 18K yellow gold E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie pocket watch showing the enamel dial and subsidiary registers. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
180
Source-reported date
circa 1910
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
37014

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 Dial

The watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold, three-body case described as "demi-bassine." The case is polished and features a hinged gold cuvette protecting the internal movement. A repeating slide is positioned on the case band to activate the audible timekeeping mechanism.

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays painted Arabic numerals. It features outer chronograph and minute tracks. Two subsidiary dials are present, one for running seconds at the 6 o'clock position and another for a 30-minute chronograph register at the 12 o'clock position. Time is indicated by blued steel spade hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, "demi-bassine", solid, polished, hinged gold cuvette.”
  • “White enamel with painted Arabic numerals, outer minute and chronograph divisions, subsidiary sunk seconds and 30-minute register dials.”
  • “Blued steel ?spade" hands.”

Movement and Complications

The watch is powered by an 18'' nickel-finished caliber with 38 jewels. The escapement is of the straight-line lever type, paired with a cut bimetallic compensation balance and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The movement includes a swan-neck micrometer regulator for fine timing adjustment.

The movement contains a chronograph mechanism, which is visible through the caseback, and a quarter-repeating complication that strikes on gongs. The watch is keyless, meaning it is wound and set via the crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 18'', nickel, 38 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, ?swan-neck? micrometer regulator, visible chronograph works, repeating on gongs by activating slide on the band.”

Condition and Marks

The case, movement, and dial are all categorized with numerical grading codes within this assessment.

The case is both signed and marked with the serial number 37014, consistent with the documentation provided for the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case signed and numbered.”
  • “Grading System Grade: A Good Case: 3 Good Movement: 3** Good Repair required, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-45-01 Good”

Open research questions

  • What specific repair is required for the movement to function?
  • Are there any Swiss hallmark stamps on the case or cuvette that provide further context for its origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerE. Leicht - Mayer & Cie, Lucerne“E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie, Lucerne”
Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold pocket watch”
Serial Number37014“No. 37014”
Case typeDemi-bassine“demi-bassine”
Movement size18''“Cal. 18''”
Jewel count38“38 jewels”
ConditionRepair required“Repair required, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • Case style identified as 'demi-bassine'
  • Dial features subsidiary sunk registers at 12 and 6 o'clock
  • Blued steel spade hands
  • Repeating slide visible on the side of the case band

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports that repair is required for the movement
  • The exact nature of the mechanical fault remains unspecified

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

Consulted source

'Minute Repeater' E. Leicht - Mayer & Cie, Lucerne, No. 37014. Made circa 1910. Fine, keyless, quarter-repeating, 18K yellow gold pocket watch with chronograph and register.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7467a2eab4

Terms in this record

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

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