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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lady's pendant watch

Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier pendant watch

Partially verified

This 18-karat gold and enamel lady's pendant watch, numbered 32074, is attributed to Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier, circa 1810. The watch is constructed as a two-body, 'fermée' type hunting-cased pendant piece measuring 26 mm in diameter. The dial is white enamel featuring Breguet numerals and outer Arabic minute tracks, paired with gold 'spade' style hands. The movement is a hinged, gilt full-plate mechanism measuring 20 mm, equipped with cylindrical pillars, a fusee and chain, a verge escapement, and a plain brass balance. It features a continental cock and a rack and pinion regulator with a silver plate. The watch is signed on the dial and numbered on the movement. It is documented in the Sandberg book on pages 426-427. This timepiece is recognized for its elaborate decorative enamel work on both the front and back covers, combining gold foliage and musical instrument motifs with figurative elements.

The watch shown with the front cover open, revealing the enamel dial, and a closed view showing the floral back motif.
The watch shown with the front cover open, revealing the enamel dial, and a closed view showing the floral back motif. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Lady's pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
374
Source-reported date
circa 1810
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
32074

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 watch is housed in an 18-karat gold, two-body 'fermée' hunting-style case. The exterior surfaces are finished with detailed enamel work. The front cover displays an azure enamel ground, bordered by white, and is decorated with engraved gold foliage and musical instrument motifs. Within a plain gold oval reserve on this cover, the word 'Fidèle' is inscribed in white.

The reverse of the watch case depicts a dove resting upon an engraved flower basket. This scene is partly enamelled and set against a black ground. The white enamel dial is protected by the concealed cover. It displays black Breguet numerals for the hours and an outer track for Arabic minutes. The hands are fashioned in a 'spade' shape.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, 'fermée' type”
  • “the front cover with 'Fidèle' written in white on a plain gold oval reserve, also edged in white, on an azure enamel ground”
  • “the back with a dove on an engraved flower basket, partly enamelled, on a black ground.”
  • “White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer Arabic minutes.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 20 mm gilt full-plate calibre, hinged within the gold case. It incorporates a traditional fusee and chain drive system for power transmission. The watch uses a verge escapement and a plain brass balance.

Regulation is achieved through a rack and pinion mechanism, which includes a silver plate. The movement is mounted with cylindrical pillars and features a continental-style balance cock.

Evidence for this section
  • “hinged, gilt full plate, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement”
  • “plain brass balance, continetal cock, rack and pinion regulator with silver plate.”

Signatures and Provenance

The dial bears the signature, while the movement is marked with the serial number 32074.

The watch has been documented in horological literature, specifically appearing in the Sandberg book on pages 426 and 427.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on the dial, numbered on the movement.”
  • “Monnier François AlexandreMaster watchmaker, son of Alexandre Ami, recorded as having been active in 1825.”
  • “Published in the Sandberg book, pages 426-427.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific archival relationship between the Sandberg book and this watch?
  • Can the date of 1810 be reconciled with the documented activity of Monnier in 1825?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Fidèle François Alexandre Monnier pendant watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFidèle François Alexandre Monnier“FidèleFrançois Alexandre Monnier”
Serial Number32074“no. 32074”
Case material18 ct. gold“18 ct. gold and enamel”
Diameter26 mm“Diam. 26 mm.”
EscapementVerge“verge escapement”
Movement dimensions20 mm“20 mm o”
LiteratureSandberg book, pages 426-427“Published in the Sandberg book, pages 426-427.”

Visible details

  • Azure enamel front cover with 'Fidèle' text in white
  • Back cover featuring a dove and flower basket motif
  • Concealed dial design requiring cover release
  • Pendant bow and crown assembly

Research qualifications

  • The source does not explicitly state the country of origin.
  • The functional state of the movement is not detailed beyond the grading system.

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

Consulted source

FidèleFrançois Alexandre Monnier, no. 32074, circa 1810.Fine 18 ct. gold and enamel hunting-cased lady's pendant watch, with concealed dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6ceb466346

Terms in this record

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