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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Gustave Sandoz minute repeating precision pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-face precision pocket watch by Gustave Sandoz of Paris is dated by the source to circa 1890. Housed in an 18K gold à-goutte case measuring approximately 50 mm in diameter and weighing about 110 grams, the watch features an engine-turned back with an enamelled monogram. According to the auction description, the case is signed 'Gustave Sandoz Horloger de la Marine Paris No. 4922'. The white enamel dial is signed Gustave Sandoz and features black Roman numerals, outer minute indices with Arabic five-minute numerals, pink gold hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. It is equipped with a precision lever movement with a minute repeater mechanism.

Dial and case front of the Gustave Sandoz minute repeating pocket watch with fitted box
Dial and case front of the Gustave Sandoz minute repeating pocket watch with fitted box — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Gustave Sandoz
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4126
Source-reported date
ca. 1890
Country
France
Source-reported serial
4922

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

Identity and Case Construction

The lot is cataloged as a precision pocket watch with minute repeater attributed to Gustave Sandoz of Paris, dated circa 1890. It features an 18K gold à-goutte case recorded at approximately Ø50mm with an approximate weight of 110g. Visible inspection shows an open-face configuration with a top winding crown, bow, and a repeater slide on the case band.

According to the catalog description, the item has a 'signed original case Gustave Sandoz \'Horloger de la Marine\' Paris No. 4922' with an engine-turned back featuring an enamelled monogram. The rear exterior, cuvette, and internal case markings are not visible in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pocket Watch: extremely fine Gustave Sandoz precision pocket watch with minute repeater, Paris ca. 1890”
  • “Ca. Ø50mm, ca. 110g, 18K gold à-goutte case, engine turned, back with enamelled monogram, signed original case Gustave Sandoz 'Horloger de la Marine' Paris No. 4922”
  • “Gold open-face case featuring a top winding crown, bow, and a repeater slide on the band.”

Dial Display and Accompanying Presentation Box

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The catalog notes pink gold hands and describes the dial as a 'signed perfectly preserved enamel dial'.

An accompanying fitted dark presentation box is shown alongside the watch. Direct observation shows the box lid is decorated with gilt tooling and the initials 'M. B.', while the source lists an 'original box'.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “signed perfectly preserved enamel dial, pink gold hands, original box”
  • “Shown alongside a fitted dark presentation box decorated with gilt tooling and the initials 'M. B.'.”

Movement and Seller Condition Assessment

The movement is not exposed in the catalog photograph. The auction house describes the mechanism as an 'exquisite precision lever movement' featuring a minute repeater.

In terms of condition and operation, the listing claims the watch is 'intact, in excellent condition, very beautiful sound', but specifically notes that 'cleaning and adjustment of the repeater necessary'.

Evidence for this section
  • “exquisite precision lever movement, minute repeater”
  • “intact, in excellent condition, very beautiful sound, cleaning and adjustment of the repeater necessary.”

Open research questions

  • What monogram is enameled on the case back, and does it correspond to the 'M. B.' tooled on the presentation box?
  • What specific layout, jeweling, and maker markings are present on the movement plates beneath the cuvette?
  • What specific mechanical adjustments are required for the minute repeater mechanism to chime reliably?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gustave Sandoz minute repeating precision pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K gold“18K gold à-goutte case”
Case Number4922“Gustave Sandoz 'Horloger de la Marine' Paris No. 4922”
ComplicationMinute repeater“minute repeater”
Movement TypePrecision lever movement“exquisite precision lever movement”
DimensionsCa. Ø50mm“Ca. Ø50mm”
Weightca. 110g“ca. 110g”
HandsPink gold“pink gold hands”
Presentation BoxOriginal box included“original box”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Gold open-face case featuring a top winding crown, bow, and a repeater slide on the band.
  • Shown alongside a fitted dark presentation box decorated with gilt tooling and the initials 'M. B.'.

Research qualifications

  • The case back, enamelled monogram, and movement interior are not visible in the provided image.
  • The source notes that cleaning and adjustment of the repeater mechanism are necessary.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Pocket Watch: extremely fine Gustave Sandoz precision pocket watch with minute repeater, Paris ca. 1890

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record c928c6b39d

Terms in this record

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

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