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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant watch

Guex a Paris basket-form pendant watch

Partially verified

This pendant watch is attributed to the maker Guex a Paris and is dated to circa 1840. The object is constructed in 18K gold and features an intricate design fashioned as a basket of flowers. The exterior is finished with scarlet flinque enamel, while the spring-loaded covers are decorated with blue enamel and high-relief painted flowers. The handle of the basket is finished in red flinque enamel. Internally, the watch is powered by a hinged gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars and a verge escapement. It utilizes a fusee with chain, a plain brass three-arm balance with a flat spring, and a regulator. The back plate features a gilt brass continental cock equipped with a polished steel end-piece. The watch measures 47 x 36 mm and includes a white enamel dial with Breguet numerals and blued steel Breguet hands.

The Guex a Paris basket-form pendant watch viewed from the front, showing the enamel finish, floral decorations, and the arched handle.
The Guex a Paris basket-form pendant watch viewed from the front, showing the enamel finish, floral decorations, and the arched handle. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Guex a Paris
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
417
Source-reported date
circa 1840
Source-reported place
Viennese

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 Aesthetic Design

The object is a pendant watch designed in the form of a flower basket, measuring 47 x 36 mm. It is a three-body construction rendered in 18K gold. The exterior surface of the basket body displays a textured weave, treated with scarlet flinque enamel.

The top of the basket incorporates a spring-loaded cover system, finished in blue enamel. This cover is ornamented with high-relief painted flowers, which provide the primary visual decoration of the piece. A red flinque enamel handle arches over the top, completing the basket appearance.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fine and unusual 18K gold and enamel pendant form watch designed as a basket of flowers.”
  • “C. Three body, decorated with scarlet flinque enamel, the blue enamelled spring-loaded covers with high relief realistically painted flowers, disclosing the dial, red flinque enamelled handle.”

Movement and Mechanics

The internal mechanism is a hinged gilt brass full plate movement featuring cylindrical pillars. Power delivery is managed via a fusee and chain system. Timekeeping regulation is handled by a verge escapement paired with a plain brass three-arm balance, a flat spring, and a regulator mechanism.

The back plate is signed by the maker and includes a gilt brass continental cock. This component is fitted with a polished steel end-piece. The auction description notes that the movement currently exhibits signs of oxidation and requires a professional overhaul for functional performance.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass threearm balance with flat spring and regulator.”
  • “Gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece.”
  • “Movement: 4-6* Fair Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Dial and Reported Condition

The watch face consists of a white enamel dial featuring Breguet-style numerals. The time is indicated by a set of blued steel Breguet-style hands. The auction house reports that these hands are replacements.

According to the grading system provided in the lot description, the case is considered fair and identified as later than the original components. The dial is listed as having undergone replacement work.

Evidence for this section
  • “D. White enamel with Breguet numerals. Blued steel Breguet hands.”
  • “Case: 4-22 Fair Later original”
  • “Dial: 28-03 Replacements”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical evidence linking the 'Guex a Paris' signature to Viennese manufacturing?
  • To what extent is the 'later original' case indicative of a marriage between a period movement and a later exterior?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Guex a Paris basket-form pendant watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGuex a Paris“Guex a Paris”
Material18K gold and enamel“18K gold and enamel”
Dimensions47 x 36 mm“47 x 36 mm”
Movement TypeHinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement“Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement”
DialWhite enamel with Breguet numerals“White enamel with Breguet numerals”
HandsBlued steel Breguet hands“Blued steel Breguet hands”
OriginViennese“Viennese”
Datecirca 1840“circa 1840”

Visible details

  • The watch is shaped as a basket with a basket-weave texture on the body.
  • The lid features three-dimensional floral elements.
  • The handle of the basket is arched over the center.
  • The dial is concealed by the spring-loaded floral cover.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the movement is slightly oxidized and recommends an overhaul.
  • The auction description indicates the hands are replacements.
  • The auction description grades the case as fair and notes it is later than the original.

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

Consulted source

Guex a Paris, Viennese, circa 1840. Fine and unusual 18K gold and enamel pendant form watch designed as a basket of flowers.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7254020ade

Terms in this record

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

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