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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gregson Gold, Enamel and Pearl Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This late 18th-century pocket watch is attributed to the Parisian watchmaker Gregson, known as Horloger du Roy. Housed in an 18-karat gold consular case, the watch features a back decorated with deep blue translucent enamel over an engine-turned surface. The bezels are set with a border of half-pearls. The white convex enamel dial displays black Arabic numerals and gold beetle and poker-style hands. The watch is wound directly through the dial. The movement is a full-plate gilt fusee type, though the original escapement has been converted to a cylinder escapement, featuring a large steel escape wheel. Mechanical components include a three-armed balance with a blued steel hairspring, a pierced and hand-engraved balance cock, and a silver regulator index. The watch lacks accompanying documentation or a box, and no assessment of current mechanical function is provided in the source record.

Front view of the Gregson pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, beetle and poker hands, and pearl-set bezel.
Front view of the Gregson pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, beetle and poker hands, and pearl-set bezel. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Gregson
Reference
3019
Catalogue / lot identifier
3019
Source-reported date
late 18th century
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
3019

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 Design

The watch is housed in an 18-karat gold consular-style case. The exterior of the case back is finished with translucent dark blue enamel applied over an engine-turned, geometrically patterned ground. The perimeter of the watch, including the bezels, is adorned with a full row of half-pearls.

The dial is made of convex white enamel featuring black Arabic numerals and gold hands designed in the beetle and poker style. A winding aperture is positioned on the dial for accessing the movement. The front glass bezel is hinged and operated via a push-button mechanism integrated into the gold pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت از جنس طلای ۱۸ عیار و از نوع کنسولار (Consular case) است.”
  • “طوقه‌های ساعت با یک ردیف کامل از مرواریدهای نیم‌تراش درشت قاب‌بندی شده‌اند.”
  • “پشت قاب با لعاب مینای شفاف آبی تیره روی زمینه تراش‌خورده هندسی (engine-turned) تزیین گردیده است.”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is constructed as a full-plate gilt fusee mechanism. According to the provided information, the original escapement was modified to a cylinder escapement, which incorporates a large steel escape wheel. The balance assembly consists of a simple three-armed balance paired with a blued steel hairspring.

Additional components include a hand-pierced and engraved balance cock and a silver regulator index used for adjusting the watch's rate. The construction reflects the techniques used in late 18th-century European watchmaking.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای صفحه کامل طلاکاری‌شده (Full plate gilt fusee) و مکانیزم زنجیر و حلزونی (فوزه) است.”
  • “مکانیزم مهار اصلی در دوره‌ای با کیفیت بالا به ساختار سیلندری (cylinder escapement) تبدیل شده و مجهز به چرخ دنگ فولادی بزرگ است.”
  • “پل بالانس سوراخ‌کاری و قلم‌زنی شده با دست، و صفحه تنظیم‌کننده نقره‌ای (رگولاتور) از دیگر ویژگی‌های مکانیکی این اثر است.”

Authentication and Documentation

The movement is engraved with the maker's signature identifying him as Gregson, the Horloger du Roy in Paris, alongside the serial number 3019. The watch is dated to the late 18th century.

The source report indicates that the item does not come with original boxes or papers. Prospective owners are encouraged to examine the condition of the enamel, the integrity of the cylinder escapement conversion, and the status of the fusee chain.

Evidence for this section
  • “توسط ساعت‌ساز نامدار Gregson (ساعت‌ساز دربار، پاریس) با شماره ۳۰۱۹ ساخته شده است.”
  • “ساعت فاقد جعبه و مدارک همراه ذکر شده”
  • “وضعیت دقیق کارکرد مکانیکی آن در مشخصات منبع بیان نشده است.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific date or provenance of the cylinder escapement conversion?
  • Are there hallmark stamps visible on the inner case walls to confirm the 18k gold fineness and origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gregson Gold, Enamel and Pearl Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGregson“ساعت‌ساز نامدار Gregson (ساعت‌ساز دربار، پاریس)”
Serial Number3019“با شماره ۳۰۱۹ ساخته شده است”
Case Material18-karat gold“قاب ساعت از جنس طلای ۱۸ عیار”
DialWhite enamel“صفحه ساعت از مینای سفید محدب”
Winding MethodThrough dial“کوک ساعت مستقیماً از روی صفحه انجام می‌شود”
EscapementCylinder“مکانیزم مهار اصلی در دوره‌ای با کیفیت بالا به ساختار سیلندری (cylinder escapement) تبدیل شده”

Visible details

  • The bow features a press-button mechanism for opening the glass bezel.
  • The enamel back displays a radial engine-turned pattern visible through the blue glaze.
  • Dial numerals include 5-minute intervals marked as 15, 30, 45, and 60.
  • The watch is wound via a square-arbor hole located on the dial between the center and the numeral 3.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes the escapement was converted to a cylinder type at an unknown date.
  • The current mechanical operating condition of the fusee chain and movement is unverified.

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

Consulted source

Pearl Set Gold and Enamel Watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0a1ad19edb

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

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