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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute-repeating pocket chronometer

Girard-Perregaux 18-carat gold minute-repeating pocket chronometer

Partially verified

Source reports this Swiss open-face pocket chronometer dates to circa 1906 and bears an 18-carat gold case marked with serial number 325537. The outer case cover is decorated with an embossed motoring scene showing Edwardian motorists driving past a mountain lake. Measuring 2.5 inches in diameter, the watch is fitted with an internal chiming mechanism reported visible through a glass panel that strikes hours, quarters, and minutes. The timepiece is preserved inside a velvet-lined mahogany fitted box bearing an embroidered Girard-Perregaux maker's label inside the lid.

Girard-Perregaux gold minute-repeater pocket chronometer resting in its fitted presentation box
Girard-Perregaux gold minute-repeater pocket chronometer resting in its fitted presentation box — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
cars.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute-repeating pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Girard-Perregaux
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
344
Source-reported date
circa 1906
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
325537

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 Decorative Detail

The timepiece is housed in an 18-carat gold case measuring 2.5 inches in diameter. The exterior cover features a heavily embossed motoring scene depicting a group of Edwardian motorists passing a mountain lake.

The interior of the case is engraved with the text: 'Chronometer Répétition à minutes – Girard Perregaux Chaux- de fonds- HORS CONCOURS Membre de Jury Liège 1905 Milan 1906 Paris 1900'. The case is marked with the serial number 325537.

Evidence for this section
  • “diameter 2.5 inches”
  • “the cover with heavily embossed motoring scene depicting a group of Edwardian motorists passing a mountain lake”
  • “the inside engraved ‘Chronometer Répétition à minutes – Girard Perregaux Chaux- de fonds- HORS CONCOURS Membre de Jury Liège 1905 Milan 1906 Paris 1900"”
  • “marked 18 carat Girard Perregaux serial number 325537”

Mechanical Complication and Presentation

The movement is described as a minute-repeater that chimes the hour, quarter, and minute. This mechanism is reported to be visible through a glass panel.

The watch is contained in a velvet-lined mahogany presentation box, which includes an embroidered Girard Perregaux label and a mother-of-pearl cartouche on the lid. The set includes an original spare crystal glass.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement (visible through glass panel) chiming the hour, quarter and minute”
  • “with original velvet-lined mahogany presentation box and embroidered Girard Perregaux label and mother-of-pearl cartouche to lid, complete with original spare crystal glass”

Source Information and Attribution

The source dates the timepiece to circa 1906. While the auction listing title contains a spelling variation of the maker, the internal engraving identifies the maker as Girard Perregaux.

The dial and movement are not visible in the provided reference materials.

Evidence for this section
  • “Swiss circa 1906”
  • “A rare and important 18 carat gold minute-repeater pocket chronometerby Giraud Perregaux”
  • “marked 18 carat Girard Perregaux serial number 325537”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 325537 correlate with specific production records for Girard-Perregaux?
  • What defines the internal architecture of a Girard-Perregaux 'Chronometer' minute-repeating movement from this era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Girard-Perregaux 18-carat gold minute-repeating pocket chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker markingGirard Perregaux“marked 18 carat Girard Perregaux serial number 325537”
Case decorationEmbossed motoring scene“the cover with heavily embossed motoring scene depicting a group of Edwardian motorists passing a mountain lake”
Inner cuvette engravingChronometer Répétition à minutes“the inside engraved ‘Chronometer Répétition à minutes – Girard Perregaux Chaux- de fonds- HORS CONCOURS Membre de Jury Liège 1905 Milan 1906 Paris 1900"”
ComplicationMinute repeater“the movement (visible through glass panel) chiming the hour, quarter and minute”
Diameter2.5 inches“diameter 2.5 inches”
Case diameter2.5 inches“diameter 2.5 inches”

Visible details

  • The watch is shown closed and seated in a recessed velvet fitting within an open hinged wooden case.
  • The case cover displays a raised relief scene featuring an open-top early motor vehicle with occupants.
  • An embroidered textile badge in the inner lid reads 'GIRARD-PERREGAUX' with notable fraying of loose threads across the surface.

Research qualifications

  • The dial and movement are hidden within the closed case in the photograph.
  • The auction listing title misspells the maker as 'Giraud Perregaux', though the description and maker mark clarify Girard Perregaux.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams Cars : A rare and important 18 carat gold minute-repeater pocket chronometer by Giraud Perregaux

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 94ea3350ba

Terms in this record

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