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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Masterpiece pocket watch

École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Swiss pocket watch is a graduate's masterpiece created at the École d'Horlogerie in Neuchâtel. Dating to circa 1914, the watch features a silver case decorated with a bas-relief motif depicting Helvetia with a sword, accompanied by soldiers and a crowd, marked with the signature Huguenin and the maker's mark HF for Huguenin Frères. The movement is a bridge-type construction with a lever escapement, gold screw compensation balance, and a blued Breguet balance spring. Measuring 54 mm in diameter and weighing 113 grams, the timepiece functions as a representative example of examination works produced by students at Swiss technical horological schools during the early 20th century. The watch is referenced in the publication Klassik Uhren, 3/98. It is currently reported as being in very good condition and capable of running, with cleaning recommended by the auction description.

The silver case featuring a bas-relief of Helvetia and the year 1914.
The silver case featuring a bas-relief of Helvetia and the year 1914. — Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Masterpiece pocket watch
Maker / attribution
École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel
Reference
School Watch
Catalogue / lot identifier
124
Source-reported date
circa 1914
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
560

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 Decoration

The silver case of this pocket watch features a highly detailed bas-relief motif on its exterior. The design depicts the allegorical figure of Helvetia holding a sword, positioned alongside a stone block inscribed with the year 1914. The background includes figures of soldiers carrying the Swiss flag and a cheering crowd.

The work is attributed to the Huguenin firm, as indicated by the signature Huguenin and the HF maker's mark identifying Huguenin Frères. The case design is specific to the 1914 production date associated with the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “bas-relief motif of Helvetia with a sword, engraved with the year 1914”
  • “signed "Huguenin", case maker's mark "HF" (Huguenin Frères)”

Movement and Construction

The watch is powered by a bridge-style movement. The technical specification includes a lever escapement for timekeeping regulation. The balance assembly utilizes a large gold screw compensation balance to mitigate temperature variations, paired with a blued Breguet balance spring.

The movement plate is engraved with the location Neuchâtel and the inscription Ecole d'Horlogerie. It bears the movement number 560. The auction description indicates the movement is in very good condition and functional, though it advises that cleaning is recommended.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm.: Bridge movement, lever escapement, large gold screw compensation balance, blued Breguet balance spring”
  • “cole d'Horlogerie”

Context and Provenance

This watch was produced at the École d'Horlogerie de Neuchâtel, a technical institution in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. Such schools were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to train horologists and address labor shortages in specialized watch production.

As a graduate masterpiece, this watch represents the final examination project of a student. The piece is recorded as having been illustrated and described in the horological publication Klassik Uhren, issue 3/98.

Evidence for this section
  • “made at the watchmaking school Neuchâtel”
  • “Graduates of these watchmaking schools often built their own pocket watches or movements as final examination pieces.”
  • “This watch is illustrated and described in Klassik Uhren, 3/98, p. 46 ff.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific relationship of Paul Matthey to this watch?
  • Are there archives of the École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel that list student masterpiece candidates from 1914?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerÉcole d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel“made at the watchmaking school Neuchâtel”
Movement Number560“Movm. No. 560”
Case MaterialSilver“Case: Silver”
Case SignatureHuguenin“signed "Huguenin”
Movement TypeBridge movement“Movm.: Bridge movement”
EscapementLever escapement“lever escapement”
Dimensions54 mm“Dimensions 54 mm”
PublicationKlassik Uhren, 3/98, p. 46 ff.“This watch is illustrated and described in Klassik Uhren, 3/98, p. 46 ff.”

Visible details

  • Case features high-relief historical figures
  • The movement bridge is inscribed 'NEUCHATEL' and 'Ecole d'Horlogerie'
  • Movement includes four visible jewels

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of Paul Matthey is not specified beyond his association with the lot
  • The degree of original student vs. instructor assembly is unverified

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

Consulted source

École d'Horlogerie Neuchâtel - Paul Matthey

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 22c62cd380

Terms in this record

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