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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Faivre Perrin Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This keyless, hunting-cased pocket watch was produced by Faivre Perrin in Locle, Switzerland, circa 1900. The watch is constructed with an 18K pink gold four-body case of 'bassine et filets' design. The exterior features engine-turned covers and a monogrammed front. The dial is finished in matte silver and decorated with engraved patterns and applied multicolored gold floral ornaments, featuring radial Roman numerals and a sunk subsidiary seconds dial. It is equipped with blued steel 'Louis XVI' style hands. The timepiece contains a maillechort movement with 'fausses côtes' decoration, 35 jewels, a straight-line counterpoised lever escapement, a cut-bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The minute-repeating mechanism is operated by a slide located on the case band, which chimes on gongs. The movement and case are signed and numbered 1110. The watch measures 58 mm in diameter.

Front view of the Faivre Perrin minute-repeating hunting-cased pocket watch with open front cover, showcasing the silver dial and floral gold ornaments.
Front view of the Faivre Perrin minute-repeating hunting-cased pocket watch with open front cover, showcasing the silver dial and floral gold ornaments. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Faivre Perrin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
309
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1110

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 'bassine et filets' hunting case crafted from 18K pink gold. The exterior covers are engine-turned, with the front cover monogrammed. A polished band houses the repeating slide. The interior includes a gold hinged cuvette bearing an inscription.

The matte silver dial is prominently decorated with engraved motifs and applied multicolored gold floral ornaments. It features radial Roman numerals and a sunk subsidiary seconds dial, complemented by blued steel 'Louis XVI' hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, ?bassine et filets?, solid, engine-turned covers, monogrammed front”
  • “Matte silver, engraved and with applied multicolored gold floral ornaments”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch is powered by a maillechort movement, identified in the records as a 19-line caliber. The movement is finished with 'fausses côtes' decoration and utilizes 35 jewels. Its technical assembly includes a straight-line counterpoised lever escapement paired with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance and a blued steel Breguet balance spring.

The minute-repeating function is activated by a slide mechanism located on the case band, which triggers the sounding of the gongs to indicate the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 19???, maillechort, ?fausses côtes? decoration, 35 jewels”
  • “straight line counterpoised lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance”
  • “repeating on gongs by activating slide on the band”

Condition and Attribution

The watch is attributed to the Hispanic market and dated to approximately 1900. The auction description reports an overall condition grade of AA, indicating it is in very good state.

Specific condition notes from the auction description mention that the case shows signs of wear and slight oxidation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made for the Hispanic market circa 1900”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the complete caliber identification for the '19???' movement?
  • What is the specific nature of the inscription on the gold hinged cuvette?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Faivre Perrin Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFaivre Perrin“Faivre Perrin, Locle”
Serial Number1110“case No. 1110”
Case Material18K pink gold“18K pink gold pocket watch”
Movement Features35 jewels, maillechort, fausses côtes“maillechort, ?fausses côtes? decoration, 35 jewels”
Diameter58 mm“Diam. 58 mm.”
Dial DescriptionMatte silver with engraved and applied gold ornaments“Matte silver, engraved and with applied multicolored gold floral ornaments”
HandsBlued steel Louis XVI“Blued steel ?Louis XVI" hands.”

Visible details

  • Engraved multicolored floral dial ornaments
  • Minute-repeating slide on the case band
  • Engine-turned cover design
  • Sunk subsidiary seconds dial

Research qualifications

  • The movement caliber is noted as 19??? with unverified digits
  • Condition report notes slight oxidation and scratching to the dial

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

Consulted source

'Répétition à Minutes' Faivre Perrin, Locle, 'Répétition à Minutes', case No. 1110. Made for the Hispanic market circa 1900. Very fine, hunting-cased, keyless, minute-repeating, 18K pink gold pocket watch with special dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a3cd34b884

Terms in this record

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

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