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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant / semi pocket watch

French 18 Karat Gold Semi Pocket Watch with Agate Fob

Partially verified

Source reports this 19th-century French pocket watch features an 18-karat tri-color yellow, white, and rose gold demi-textured case measuring 34 mm in diameter. The rear cover displays a monogram reported as 'BAS' set with twenty-seven old-mine cut diamonds, round rubies, and sapphires. According to the seller, the piece has an unsigned, non-operational lever-set movement bearing case number 11513, and a white dial featuring stylized blue enamel Arabic numerals with sub-seconds. The watch is suspended from a 12-inch triple-strand foxtail chain with decorative slides, French assay markings, and an agate seal fob.

Rear view of the textured 18k gold pocket watch displaying the gem-set monogram, accompanied by a triple-strand foxtail chain and agate fob
Rear view of the textured 18k gold pocket watch displaying the gem-set monogram, accompanied by a triple-strand foxtail chain and agate fob — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant / semi pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
France
Source-reported serial
11513

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 Construction and Monogram Ornamentation

The timepiece features a circular gold case measuring 34 mm in diameter, described as an 18-karat tri-color yellow, white, and rose gold demi-textured construction. The rear cover is decorated with an intertwined monogram reported as "BAS", set with twenty-seven old-mine cut diamonds alongside round rubies and sapphires.

Visual observation confirms a textured gold surface across the pocket watch case back displaying the gem-set monogram. The seller cataloguing notes a French origin dating to the 19th century, with case number 11513 recorded.

Evidence for this section
  • “features an 18kt yellow, white, and rose gold demi-textured case”
  • “embellished with a "BAS" monogram meticulously composed ⁤of 27 ​old-mine cut diamonds, alongside vibrant ​round rubies and sapphires”
  • “Circular textured gold pocket watch case back decorated with an intertwined multi-colored gem-set monogram”

Chain and Agate Fob Assembly

The watch is fitted with an elaborate suspension system consisting of a triple-strand woven foxtail chain measuring 12 inches in length. The chain includes a double slide arrangement with barrel-form decorative slides and terminates in a spring-ring style attachment. A French assay mark is reported on the chain, though the vendor notes it is missing two rubies.

Suspended alongside the chain is a conical seal fob mount measuring 26 mm by 18 mm at its base, which terminates in an agate seal stone. The entire ensemble, comprising watch, chain, and fob, has a total reported weight of 75.1 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by⁤ a triple⁢ strand​ foxtail chain, this lever-set watch boasts⁢ a double‌ slide with ‍a fob ‍and an agate seal”
  • “The chain, marked with a French assay,⁤ measures 12 inches in length and, despite missing two rubies, retains⁤ its⁤ charm”
  • “the fob measures 26mm x 18mm in diameter at the bottom (agate portion)”
  • “The entire piece weighs 75.1 grams.”

Dial and Mechanism Reporting Limitations

According to source documentation, the watch houses a lever-set mechanism and a white dial displaying stylized blue enamel Arabic numerals with a sub-seconds hand. The movement is reported as unsigned and is currently not working.

Because available visual documentation shows only the closed rear case, chain, and fob, these movement and dial characteristics cannot be independently verified from the photograph. Calibre architecture, escapement layout, and specific mechanical defects remain undocumented.

Evidence for this section
  • “stylized blue enamel Arabic numerals on a white dial with a sub-seconds hand”
  • “The movement is unsigned and the case number is 11513”
  • “The movement is not currently working.”

Open research questions

  • What specific French assay mark is struck on the foxtail chain, and does it indicate a maker's mark or specific regional bureau?
  • What escapement and layout are utilized in the unsigned lever-set movement, and what internal repairs are required to restore functionality?
  • Is the agate seal base engraved with an intaglio crest or monogram, or does it remain uncarved?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French 18 Karat Gold Semi Pocket Watch with Agate Fob
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k yellow, white, and rose gold“features an 18kt yellow, white, and rose gold demi-textured case”
Case Number11513“the case number is 11513”
Case Diameter34mm“The case measures 34mm in diameter”
Monogram Stones27 old-mine cut diamonds, round rubies, and sapphires“embellished with a "BAS" monogram meticulously composed ⁤of 27 ​old-mine cut diamonds, alongside vibrant ​round rubies and sapphires”
Fob StoneAgate“The chain includes a double slide with a fob and an agate seal.”
Total Weight75.1 grams“The entire piece weighs 75.1 grams.”
Fob Dimensions26 mm x 18 mm at the base“the fob measures 26mm x 18mm in diameter at the bottom (agate portion)”
Chain Length12 inches“The chain is 12" long.”
Movement Operating StateNon-working (source-reported)“The movement is not currently working.”

Visible details

  • Circular textured gold pocket watch case back decorated with an intertwined multi-colored gem-set monogram
  • Triple-strand woven foxtail chain with decorated barrel-form slides and a spring-ring style attachment
  • Conical seal fob mount with decorative band terminating in an agate base

Research qualifications

  • The dial and movement are not visible in the provided image.
  • Source notes the movement is currently not working and unsigned.
  • Source reports the chain is missing two rubies.

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

Consulted source

French 18 Karat Gold Semi Pocket Watch Agate Fob - 19th Century » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 67a8739400

Terms in this record

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