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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

Gontard & Co Pocket Watch Movement

Partially verified

This pocket watch movement was produced by the Parisian maker Gontard & Co, circa 1850. The movement is a key-wound mechanism featuring a cylinder escapement. It measures 4.4 cm in diameter and 1.1 cm in depth. The dial is missing, though one hand remains. The back plate or cover bears the inscription 'Gontard & Cie, a Paris, no. 164, Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche'. This movement was part of a collection donated by J. Ingram in 1937, consisting of remnants from watches whose original cases were melted down by jewelers during the economic depression of the 1930s.

A top-down view of the Gontard & Co pocket watch movement showing the bridge, gear train, and cylinder escapement.
A top-down view of the Gontard & Co pocket watch movement showing the bridge, gear train, and cylinder escapement. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
Gontard & Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 20157
Source-reported date
circa 1850
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
164

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

Technical Configuration

The movement is a key-wound mechanism, designed for a gents pocket watch. It utilizes a cylinder escapement, a common component for this type of French watch during the mid-19th century. The mechanism measures 4.4 cm in outside diameter with a depth of 1.1 cm.

Evidence of the watch's original functionality remains, as one hand is still present. However, the dial is absent, exposing the underlying plate and the central winding arbor.

Evidence for this section
  • “Key wound spring; cylinder escapement. Winding dial.”
  • “Dial is missing; one hand remaining.”

Signatures and Identification

The movement is identified by the inscription found on the works cover, which identifies the manufacturer as Gontard & Cie based in Paris. The individual number 164 is engraved, providing a serial identification for this specific unit. The text 'Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche' suggests technical specifications related to the assembly or escapement type.

The manufacturer, Gontard & Co, is documented by B. Loomes as active in Paris between 1848 and 1855, which aligns with the circa 1850 dating provided. The registration number ST 20157 is associated with the object in the collection records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Works cover marked 'Gontard & Cie, a Paris, no. 164, Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche".”
  • “B. Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, p.91 gives dates of 1848-1855.”

Provenance and History

This movement reached the museum collection through a donation from J. Ingram on 18 February 1937. It was part of a larger group of movements collected by Ingram Brothers jewelers during the 1930s.

While the jewelers processed the precious metal cases, the watch movements were preserved as historically interesting examples, leading to their subsequent donation to the institution.

Evidence for this section
  • “Acquisition: Donation from J. Ingram, 18 Feb 1937”
  • “Ingrams (and other jewelers) melted down the cases to sell the metal, but kept the movements of historically interesting watches.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific meaning of 'Encaft' in the context of this movement's inscription?
  • Does the serial number '164' relate to a broader series produced by Gontard & Co during their 1848-1855 period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gontard & Co Pocket Watch Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGontard & Co“Gontard & Co”
Datecirca 1850“circa 1850”
Serial number164“no 164”
EscapementCylinder“cylinder escapement”
Winding mechanismKey wound“Key wound spring”
InscriptionGontard & Cie, a Paris, no. 164, Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche“Works cover marked 'Gontard & Cie, a Paris, no. 164, Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche".”
Accession numberST 20157“Registration number: ST 20157”
Dimensions4.4 cm diameter, 1.1 cm width“1.1 cm (Width), 4.4 cm (Outside Diameter)”

Visible details

  • Cylinder escapement visible on the top plate
  • Single hand attached to the center
  • Winding square present at the center
  • Engraved inscription on the bridge plate

Research qualifications

  • The exact operational status of the movement is not stated
  • The original dial and case are missing

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch Movement - Gontard & Co, Paris, circa 1850

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3792cee9e7

Terms in this record

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

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