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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

E. Mathey Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This E. Mathey pocket watch, bearing the serial number 36048, was manufactured in 1912. It is a keyless, minute-repeating timepiece constructed in 14K pink gold with a four-body "demi-bassine" case featuring a polished finish and a hinged gold cuvette decorated with concentric guilloché work. The watch contains a nickel-finished movement with 21 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. Technical features include a cut bimetallic compensation balance, which is adjusted to four positions, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The watch provides a chronograph function with an instantaneous 30-minute register. The white enamel dial is double-sunk and displays Arabic numerals, with red Arabic markers for the outer minute and seconds track. Time is indicated by pink gold "Louis XVI" style hands. The movement, dial, and case are each signed by the maker.

Front view of the E. Mathey minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch in 14K pink gold.
Front view of the E. Mathey minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch in 14K pink gold. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
E. Mathey
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
145
Source-reported date
1912
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
36048

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 Construction

The timepiece is housed in a four-body 'demi-bassine' case crafted from 14K pink gold. The exterior surfaces are polished, and the case back is monogrammed and features an internal inscription. A hinged gold cuvette is present, finished with concentric guilloché decoration. The watch is operated via a keyless winding system, with the repeating mechanism activated by a slide positioned on the case band.

The dial is composed of white enamel and is double-sunk. It features Arabic numerals for the hours, with the outer track containing minute and seconds divisions accented by red Arabic markers every five units. Subsidiary dials are situated for the seconds and the 30-minute chronograph register. The dial is fitted with pink gold hands in the Louis XVI style.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, "demi-bassine", solid, polished, monogrammed case back inside with inscription”
  • “hinged gold cuvette with concentric "guilloché" decoration”
  • “Double-sunk white enamel with Arabic numerals”
  • “Pink gold "Louis XVI" hands”

Movement and Technical Features

The movement, noted as caliber 20???, is constructed in nickel and contains 21 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and includes a cut bimetallic compensation balance, which is adjusted to four positions. The timing regulation is provided by a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The repeating mechanism strikes on internal gongs.

The watch functions as a chronograph and includes an instantaneous 30-minute register. The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul, and the general condition is graded as good for the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 20???, nickel, 21 jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted to 4 positions”
  • “blued steel Breguet balance spring”
  • “repeating on gongs by activating slide on the band”

Signatures and Provenance

The documentation provided confirms that the watch is signed by the maker on the dial, the case, and the movement. The provenance is associated with the reference number 36048 and the date of manufacture established as 1912. No specific historical owners or literary references are cited in the source materials.

The catalog entry provides a grading system for the watch's components, noting the movement and case as good, though the movement is specifically indicated as requiring maintenance. The watch is presented as a Swiss-manufactured piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “E. Mathey, Swiss, No. 36048. Made in 1912.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber number represented by '20???'?
  • What are the specific contents of the inscription found on the inside of the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Mathey Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerE. Mathey“E. Mathey”
Serial Number36048“No. 36048”
Year of Manufacture1912“Made in 1912”
Case Material14K pink gold“14K pink gold”
Case Diameter52 mm“Diam. 52 mm”
Movement Jewels21 jewels“21 jewels”
EscapementStraight line lever“straight line lever escapement”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals
  • Red Arabic markers at 5-minute/second intervals
  • Pink gold hands in Louis XVI style
  • Minute repeater slide located on the band

Research qualifications

  • The movement caliber number is listed as '20???' in the source
  • Case back features an unverified inscription
  • Condition reports cite an overhaul is recommended for the movement

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

Consulted source

E. Mathey, Swiss, No. 36048. Made in 1912. Very fine, keyless, minute-repeating, 14K pink gold pocket watch with chronograph and instentaneous 30- minute register .

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4307df9126

Terms in this record

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

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