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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Fabrique Germinal Minute-Repeating Chronograph with Calendar

Partially verified

This large, 18K yellow gold hunting-cased pocket watch was produced by Fabrique Germinal (Picard & Cie) in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, circa 1900. The timepiece is keyless and features a complex movement equipped with a minute repeater, an olive-button chronograph, a triple-date calendar, and a moon-phase complication. The case is constructed in a four-body 'bassine et filets' style with a polished finish, incorporating a hinged gold cuvette and an additional glazed cover to display the movement. The dial is made of white enamel and displays Arabic numerals, with four subsidiary dials indicating the month, day of the week, date, and a moon-phase aperture with a lunar calendar. The movement is a 22-ligne, frosted gilt caliber featuring 19 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a notched bimetallic compensation balance with a Breguet balance spring.

Front view of the 18K yellow gold hunting-cased pocket watch with open cover showing the white enamel dial and calendar complications.
Front view of the 18K yellow gold hunting-cased pocket watch with open cover showing the white enamel dial and calendar complications. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Fabrique Germinal (Picard & Cie)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
563
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
201054

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 a four-body, polished 18K yellow gold case, characterized by a 'bassine et filets' design. Access to the internal components is provided through a hinged gold cuvette and an additional gold-rimmed, glazed cover that permits a view of the movement.

The dial is executed in white enamel and features Arabic numerals. Timekeeping is tracked via a central minute track and an outermost 1/5th seconds division for the chronograph. Four recessed subsidiary dials handle the calendar functions, displaying the days of the month, the days of the week, and the months, while a moon-phase aperture includes a lunar calendar on its periphery. Gilt poire hands indicate the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Four-body, "bassine et fi lets,? solid, polished.”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette, glazed gold-rimmed cover to view the movement.”
  • “D. White enamel with Arabic numerals, outer minute track, outermost 1/5th seconds chronograph divisions”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 22-ligne caliber with a frosted gilt finish, containing 19 jewels. It operates using a straight-line lever escapement paired with a notched bimetallic compensation balance, which is regulated by a Breguet balance spring and an index regulator.

The watch includes a minute-repeater mechanism that strikes on gongs activated by a slide positioned on the case band. A centrifugal governor controls the timing of the repeater strike. The chronograph is operated via an olive-shaped button located on the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 22''', frosted gilt, 19 jewels, straight line lever escapement, notched bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring”
  • “repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band, centrifugal governor.”
  • “olive button chronograph”

Condition and Attribution

The object is attributed to Fabrique Germinal (Picard & Cie) of La Chaux-de-Fonds, dating to approximately 1900. The movement is signed and numbered on the cuvette.

The auction house grades the condition of the case, movement, and dial as good, though the dial is noted to have hairlines.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fabrique Germinal (Picard & Cie), La Chaux-de-Fonds, No. 201054. Made circa 1900.”
  • “Cuvette signed and numbered.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Hairlines”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production volume of the 22-ligne caliber produced by Fabrique Germinal?
  • Are there archival records linking this serial number to a specific original retailer or client?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Fabrique Germinal Minute-Repeating Chronograph with Calendar
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFabrique Germinal (Picard & Cie)“Fabrique Germinal (Picard & Cie), La Chaux-de-Fonds”
Serial Number201054“No. 201054”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold pocket watch”
Movement Caliber22'''“M. Cal. 22'''”
Jewel Count19“19 jewels”
Case TypeFour-body, 'bassine et filets'“C. Four-body, "bassine et fi lets,? solid, polished.”
Movement TypeFrosted gilt“frosted gilt”
Diameter61 mm“Diam. 61 mm”

Visible details

  • Large 61 mm case diameter
  • White enamel dial with Arabic numerals
  • Four subsidiary recessed calendar dials
  • Olive-shaped chronograph button

Research qualifications

  • Condition report mentions hairlines on the enamel dial
  • Auction description suggests an overhaul is recommended

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

Consulted source

FABRIQUE GERMINAL, MINUTE REPEATING, CALENDAR & CHRONOGRAPH Fabrique Germinal (Picard & Cie), La Chaux-de-Fonds, No. 201054. Made circa 1900. Fine, large, hunting cased, keyless, minute-repeating, 18K yellow gold pocket watch with olive button chronograph, triple date calendar and moon phases.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 82a513d0e0

Terms in this record

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

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