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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Spindle pocket watch

Gregson Paris Spindle Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18th-century silver pocket watch is signed by the watchmaker Gregson, Paris. Dating to the second half of the 18th century, the timepiece features a full-plate movement equipped with a verge escapement and a fusee chain system. The movement is marked with the serial number 9360 and includes an openwork, florally decorated verge balance cock. The white enamelled dial is finished with Arabic numerals and paired with blued pear-shaped hands. The case back is hallmarked internally with the designation AC 211. Measuring 55 mm in diameter and 24 mm in thickness, the watch is manually wound by a key, which is included with the object. The auction description reports that the movement is in working order and the overall condition is consistent with the age of the item.

A Gregson Paris pocket watch showing the enamelled dial and the ornate, openwork verge balance cock of the movement.
A Gregson Paris pocket watch showing the enamelled dial and the ornate, openwork verge balance cock of the movement. — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Spindle pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Gregson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
754
Source-reported date
2nd half of the 18th century
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
9360

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 Construction

The watch is housed in a silver case, which measures 55 mm in diameter and 24 mm in depth. The exterior features a distinct milled pattern around the case band. Internally, the back cover is stamped with the hallmark 'AC 211'.

The dial is composed of white enamel, which provides a contrasting background for the painted Arabic numerals. Time is indicated by a pair of blued pear-shaped hands. A winding aperture is positioned on the dial to accommodate the key, which is provided with the lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver, 2nd half of the 18th century, hallmarked "AC 211" in the middle of the back cover”
  • “enamelled dial with Arabic numerals, flat verge movement, blued pear hands”

Movement and Mechanism

The mechanism utilizes a verge escapement paired with a chain and fusee assembly to regulate power delivery from the mainspring.

A notable feature of the movement is the balance cock, which is executed in an openwork design decorated with floral engravings. The movement is designed for manual key-winding, and the auction description confirms that the watch is functional.

Evidence for this section
  • “clockwork marked "Gregson Paris 9360", full plate movement with verge escapement”
  • “clock working”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description characterizes the condition of the watch as 'good age-appropriate condition'. As an 18th-century piece, wear is expected; however, the mechanical integrity of the verge movement is reported to be intact.

The watch is attributed to the workshop of Gregson in Paris. While the source describes the maker as a 'Royal watchmaker', no specific documentary evidence is provided to substantiate this title, though it is used as the primary descriptor for the lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “good age-appropriate condition”
  • “Royal watchmaker Gregson Paris”

Open research questions

  • Does the 'AC 211' hallmark correspond to a known French silversmith or a specific hallmarking convention from the 18th century?
  • Is there archival evidence to confirm the 'Royal watchmaker' status for the Gregson firm during this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gregson Paris Spindle Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGregson Paris“clockwork marked "Gregson Paris 9360”
Date2nd half of the 18th century“2nd half of the 18th century”
Movement typeFull plate verge with fusee“full plate movement with verge escapement, movement with chain and fusee”
Case HallmarkAC 211“hallmarked "AC 211" in the middle of the back cover”
Dimensions24 x 55 mm (HxD)“24 x 55 mm (HxD)”
DialEnamelled with Arabic numerals“enamelled dial with Arabic numerals”
ConditionWorking“clock working”

Visible details

  • The movement features a highly detailed, openwork balance cock with floral motifs.
  • The dial displays Arabic numerals and a small winding aperture.
  • The case band exhibits fine engine-turned or milled texturing.
  • The hands are distinctively shaped, commonly referred to as 'pear' hands.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description does not clarify if the hallmarks present are for silver purity or maker identification.
  • The exact metallurgical composition of the case is stated as silver, but the finish appears to have a golden hue in the provided image.
  • The attribution to 'Royal watchmaker' is provided by the source but lacks supporting historical documentation within the text.

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

Consulted source

Royal watchmaker Gregson Paris spindle pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3be6dfb4fa

Terms in this record

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