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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Form watch

Genevan lantern-form watch with three time zones

Partially verified

This lantern-form watch, unsigned and manufactured in Geneva circa 1780, is an 18 ct. vari-coloured gold object. It is distinctive for its three-body construction and three convex white enamel dials, which indicate time for three different zones. The case features hinged top and bottom covers, with the top cover housing a winding aperture accessible via a side lever. The exterior is decorated with applied vari-coloured gold flowers and leaves. The movement is a 26.6 mm gilt metal full plate caliber with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, and a verge escapement. It utilizes a continental cock pierced and engraved with rocailles. The motion work is complex, driven by a contrate wheel mounted on the extension of the center wheel, meshing with three separate wheels to power each dial. The object was published in the Sandberg book on pages 382-383 and bears marks including 'PG' under a coronet.

The lantern-form watch shown in closed and open positions, revealing the top-mounted movement and three dials.
The lantern-form watch shown in closed and open positions, revealing the top-mounted movement and three dials. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Form watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
26
Source-reported date
circa 1780
Source-reported place
Geneva

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 Exterior Design

The watch is housed in a three-body, lantern-shaped case constructed from 18 ct. vari-coloured gold. The design includes both top and bottom hinged covers. The top cover incorporates a small winding aperture, which is revealed by activating a lever located on the side of the watch. A swivel pendant is attached to the top.

The aesthetic finish of the case is achieved through applied vari-coloured gold leaves and flowers. The structure accommodates three identical convex white enamel dials, each featuring Roman numeral hour markers and outer Arabic five-minute tracks, accompanied by gold 'Louis XV' style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, top cover with small winding aperture revealed by pulling a lever at the side, top and bottom, covers hinged, decorated with applied vari-coloured leaves and flowers, swivel pendant.”
  • “Three identicaldials of convex white enamel with Roman chapters and outer Arabic five-minutes.”

Movement and Technical Construction

Internally, the movement measures 26.6 mm and consists of a gilt metal full plate with cylindrical pillars. The watch operates via a fusee and chain system with a verge escapement and a plain brass balance. The balance is protected by a continental cock which features pierced and engraved rocaille motifs.

Power transmission to the three dials is achieved through a specific arrangement: a contrate wheel, mounted on an extension of the center wheel, meshes with three individual wheels. These, in turn, drive the motion work for each of the three time zone dials, which are mounted under the top cover.

Evidence for this section
  • “26.6 mm o, gilt metal full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass balance, continental cock pierced and engraved with four rocailles, mounted under the top cover”
  • “motion work driven by a contrate wheel mounted on the extension of the centre wheel that meshes with three wheels, each driving motion works of the individual dials.”

Marks and Documentation

The watch bears distinct manufacturing marks stamped inside the bottom cover. These consist of the initials 'PG' situated beneath a coronet, accompanied by two identical fleur de lis marks placed within a lozenge. These marks serve as the primary identifiers for the object's origin.

The provenance and reference documentation for this piece include an entry in the Sandberg book, where the watch is documented on pages 382 and 383.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stamped inside bottom cover 'PG' under a coronet with two identical fleur de lis marks in lozenge.”
  • “Published in the Sandberg book, page 382-383.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific identity of the 'PG' mark inside the case?
  • For what specific purpose were the three time zones intended in an 18th-century Genevan context?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Genevan lantern-form watch with three time zones
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUnsigned“Unsigned”
Datecirca 1780“circa 1780”
Material18 ct. vari-coloured gold“18 ct. vari-coloured gold”
Dimensions38 mm length, 35 mm width“Dim. Length 38 mm, width 35 mm.”
MovementVerge escapement, full plate“gilt metal full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement”
MarksPG under a coronet“Stamped inside bottom cover 'PG' under a coronet with two identical fleur de lis marks in lozenge.”
PublicationSandberg book“Published in the Sandberg book, page 382-383.”

Visible details

  • Three identical dials with Roman numerals
  • Vari-coloured gold decorative leaves and flowers
  • Swivel pendant
  • Pierced and engraved continental cock

Research qualifications

  • The function of three time zones is noted as potentially irrelevant for the 18th century
  • The maker remains unidentified despite the 'PG' punch mark

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

Consulted source

Unsigned, Geneva, circa 1780.Very fine and rare 18 ct. vari-coloured gold form watch designed as a lantern with three dials for three time zones.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 80ca29e795

Terms in this record

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

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