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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Tourbillon hunter pocket watch

Girard-Perregaux gold tourbillon pocket watch

Partially verified

This 1879 Swiss pocket watch by Girard-Perregaux is housed in an extensively engraved gold hunter case bearing an 1879 English hallmark and stamped case numbers 51701 and 14961. The inner cuvette is engraved 'Cronometro, Tourbillon, Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds'. The movement incorporates a tourbillon and pivoted detent escapement with jewelling, while the dial side features white enamel with subsidiary seconds and gold hands. Formerly in the collection of Reverend Henry Nelthropp, it forms part of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers collection.

Three-quarter view of the engraved gold hunter case with outer lid open showing the inscribed cuvette
Three-quarter view of the engraved gold hunter case with outer lid open showing the inscribed cuvette — Science Museum Group/The Clockmakers' Museum © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Tourbillon hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Girard-Perregaux
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
L2015-3363
Source-reported date
1879
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
51701

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

Physical Description and Case Construction

The watch is housed in an extensively engraved gold hunter case decorated with floral and foliate motifs. It includes a circular pendant and a decorated bow.

The case bears an English hallmark dated 1879 and is stamped with the serial numbers 51701 and 14961. The inner cuvette is signed 'Cronometro, Tourbillon, Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds' and features two apertures.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold hunter case engraved all over with flowers and foliage, and with English hallmark dated 1879 and stamped 51701 and 14961.”
  • “Signed on the cuvette 'Cronometro, Tourbillon, Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds'.”

Dial and Movement Mechanics

The watch features a white enamel dial with subsidiary seconds, signed 'Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds', and fitted with gold hands.

The movement is described as a jewelled pivoted detent escapement with a tourbillon. The central bridge is signed 'Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds'.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds and signed 'Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds'. Gold hands.”
  • “Jewelled movement with pivoted detent escapement and tourbillon, and signed on the central bridge 'Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds'.”

Provenance and Collection Details

This object is held in the collection of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, under Object Number L2015-3363 and Clockmakers' Museum Number 452.

It was originally part of the collection of the Reverend Henry Nelthropp before being donated to the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Originally part of the collection of the Reverand Henry Nelthropp and later donated to the museum of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.”
  • “Object Number: L2015-3363”
  • “Clockmakers' Museum Number 452”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the two winding and setting apertures on the cuvette?
  • Does the presence of both an 1879 English hallmark and Swiss manufacture imply the case was hallmarked upon importation to the UK?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Girard-Perregaux gold tourbillon pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGirard Perregaux“Gold watch with tourbillon by Girard Perregaux, Switzerland, 1879.”
Cuvette inscriptionCronometro, Tourbillon, Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds“Signed on the cuvette 'Cronometro, Tourbillon, Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds'.”
Case numbers51701 and 14961“stamped 51701 and 14961”
Escapement and regulatorPivoted detent escapement and tourbillon“Jewelled movement with pivoted detent escapement and tourbillon”
Object NumberL2015-3363“Object Number: L2015-3363”
MaterialsGold, steel, brass, and enamel“Materials: gold (metal) , steel (metal) , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and enamel”

Visible details

  • Engraved gold hunter case with floral and foliate motifs opened to show the cuvette
  • Cuvette engraved with 'Cronometro', 'TOURBILLON', and maker markings alongside two winding/setting apertures
  • Attached circular pendant and decorated bow

Research qualifications

  • The dial and internal movement mechanism are concealed beneath the closed cuvette in this photograph.
  • Movement and dial specifications are reported by the museum collection record rather than directly visible.

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

Consulted source

Gold watch with tourbillon by Girard Perregaux | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2a5fac71d0

Terms in this record

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