Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Grande sonnerie quarter-repeating pocket watch

Grande Sonnerie Pocket Watch by Montandon

Partially verified

This 20th-century grande sonnerie quarter-repeating pocket watch is attributed to the Swiss firm Montandon. The timepiece is housed in an 18K yellow gold open-face case, which features crosshatching texture centered by an unengraved shield. The white enamel dial is marked with both Roman and Arabic numerals, equipped with blued steel Breguet-style hands, and includes a subsidiary seconds dial. The mechanical movement is comprised of 27 jewels and includes a compensator balance and an anchor escapement. The watch functions as a grande sonnerie, an automatic chime system for hours and quarters, controlled by external sliding levers located on the rim of the case. Winding is performed via two flush-set folding keys, and setting is managed with a gear-tooth key. The interior cuvette bears an engraved inscription documenting the maker and specifications of the movement.

Front view of the 18K yellow gold Grande Sonnerie pocket watch by Montandon.
Front view of the 18K yellow gold Grande Sonnerie pocket watch by Montandon. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Grande sonnerie quarter-repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Montandon Frères
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
20th century
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Dial

The watch is presented in an open-face configuration with an 18K yellow gold case measuring 50mm. The exterior surface of the case back is finished with a crosshatched texture surrounding a smooth, unengraved central shield. The exterior rim is modified to accommodate sliding lever switches used to operate the repeating function.

The dial is constructed of white enamel and provides time via blued steel Breguet hands. The hour indicators are presented in Roman numerals, while an outer ring provides Arabic numerals for minutes. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the base of the main dial, maintaining the layout of the display.

Evidence for this section
  • “18K yellow gold open face case with intricate crosshatching surrounding a central shield”
  • “sliding lever switches located on the outer rim of this timepiece”
  • “white enamel face displays both Roman and Arabic numerals and graceful blued steel breguet hands, as well as a subsidiary seconds dial”

Movement and Mechanics

The timepiece is powered by a grande sonnerie movement, which automatically strikes the hours and quarters. The mechanism is described as having an anchor escapement and a compensator balance. It contains 27 jewels.

The movement requires specific mechanical intervention to operate, utilizing two flush-set folding keys for winding and a separate gear-tooth key for setting the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “grande sonnerie chimes on the hours and quarters automatically”
  • “Echap. Ancre Breguet, Montandon Fres. au Locle, 27 Rubis, Balancier Compensateur”
  • “movement winds with two flush set folding keys and sets with the accompanying gear-tooth key”

Signatures and Inscriptions

The identity of the movement is established by an inscription engraved directly onto the gold cuvette, which is the internal dust cover protecting the mechanism. The text identifies the firm as 'Montandon Fres' located in Le Locle, Switzerland.

The inscription further details the horological specifications of the piece, including the repeating complication and the escapement type. It also confirms the jewel count, corresponding to the total of 27 jewels mentioned in the provided product documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved on cuvette "Repetition a Grande Sonnerie, Echap. Ancre Breguet, Montandon Fres. au Locle, 27 Rubis, Balancier Compensateur”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical timeline of the firm Montandon Fres at Le Locle?
  • Are there archives matching the movement specifications to a specific production serial number for this model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Grande Sonnerie Pocket Watch by Montandon
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMontandon“Swiss firm Montandon”
Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold open face case”
Jewel count27“27 jewels”
Movement markingsRepetition a Grande Sonnerie, Echap. Ancre Breguet, Montandon Fres. au Locle, 27 Rubis, Balancier Compensateur“Engraved on cuvette "Repetition a Grande Sonnerie, Echap. Ancre Breguet, Montandon Fres. au Locle, 27 Rubis, Balancier Compensateur”
Case size50mm“Case: 50mm”
FunctionalityGrande sonnerie repeating“grande sonnerie quarter-hour repeating pocket watch”
Dating20th century“20th century”

Visible details

  • Case features fine crosshatching pattern with central shield
  • Dial includes both Roman hour markers and Arabic numeral minute track
  • Sliding lever controls are visible on the exterior case rim
  • Movement internal layout includes anchor escapement and compensator balance

Research qualifications

  • The exact decade of 20th-century production is not specified
  • The specific source of the '27 jewels' figure is not externally verified by independent movement examination

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی مونتاندون؛ گراند سونری

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4be2359fe0

Terms in this record

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