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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Perpetual calendar chronograph minute repeater pocket watch

Gustave Sandoz Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Minute Repeater Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch attributed to maker Gustave Sandoz dates to circa 1890 and is fitted with a 19-ligne manual-wind movement inside a 57 mm case. The white enamel dial features Roman numeral hour markers, an outer chronograph track, and four subsidiary registers for the day of the week, date of the month, leap-year perpetual calendar months, and running seconds combined with moon phases. The yellow metal case includes a hinged front cover, a winding crown with bow situated at the 3 o'clock position, and a slide along the band reported to operate a minute repeater mechanism.

Front view of the pocket watch with hinged cover open showing the white enamel dial and calendar subdials
Front view of the pocket watch with hinged cover open showing the white enamel dial and calendar subdials — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Perpetual calendar chronograph minute repeater pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Gustave Sandoz
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
290
Source-reported date
Circa 1890
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
22'908

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 Catalogued Attributes

Catalogued under lot 290 by Antiquorum for its Geneva auction on November 12, 2017, this pocket watch is attributed to Gustave Sandoz and dated circa 1890. The catalog listing registers the piece with case number 22'908, a diameter of 57 mm, and a 19''' caliber manual-wind movement.

The catalog title lists the timepiece as a 'PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH, MINUTE REPEATER' and an 'openface perpetual calendar chronograph gold pocket watch.' In the specification field for signature, the source notes 'Case (monogram).'

Evidence for this section
  • “Brand Gustave Sandoz”
  • “Year Circa 1890”
  • “Case N. 22'908”
  • “Caliber 19'''”
  • “Dimensions 57 mm.”
  • “Signature Case (monogram).”

Case Configuration and Catalog Discrepancy

Although the auction title describes the watch as an 'openface perpetual calendar chronograph gold pocket watch', the primary photograph shows a hinged front cover opened to reveal the dial, consistent with a hunter-style construction rather than a conventional openface format.

The exterior features a fluted winding crown and an arched suspension bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial arrangement. Movement and cuvette details are not visible in the catalog image.

Evidence for this section
  • “GUSTAVE SANDOZ, PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH, MINUTE REPEATER A fine and very rare, manual wind, openface perpetual calendar chronograph gold pocket watch.”
  • “Hinged front cover opened to display a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and four calendar subdials”
  • “Fluted winding crown with an arched suspension bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial orientation”

Dial Display and Indications

Visual inspection reveals a white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and outer track scales for the chronograph. Four subsidiary registers display calendar and timekeeping functions.

The register at 12 o'clock indicates the calendar months alongside leap year markings in French. The subdial at 6 o'clock combines running seconds with an aperture for a moon phase disc illustrated with a facial profile. Subsidiary registers at 9 and 3 o'clock indicate the day of the week and date of the month.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hinged front cover opened to display a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and four calendar subdials”
  • “Subdial at 12 o'clock features calendar month indications along with leap year markings in French”
  • “Subdial at 6 o'clock contains running seconds and an aperture for a moon phase disc featuring a face design”

Open research questions

  • What specific monogram is engraved on the case, and does the movement or cuvette bear explicit signatures or markings from Gustave Sandoz?
  • Why does the auction catalog designate the watch as 'openface' when the primary photograph depicts a hinged front cover and a 3 o'clock crown orientation typical of a hunter case?
  • Which movement maker or ébauche manufacturer produced the 19-ligne perpetual calendar chronograph minute repeater caliber?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gustave Sandoz Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Minute Repeater Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandGustave Sandoz“Brand Gustave Sandoz”
YearCirca 1890“Year Circa 1890”
Case Number22'908“Case N. 22'908”
Caliber19'''“Caliber 19'''”
Dimensions57 mm“Dimensions 57 mm.”
SignatureCase (monogram)“Signature Case (monogram).”
Hands ConditionOriginal (catalog-reported condition grade)“HANDS Original”
Auction ResultSold for CHF 23,750“Sold: CHF 23,750”

Visible details

  • Hinged front cover opened to display a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and four calendar subdials
  • Subdial at 6 o'clock contains running seconds and an aperture for a moon phase disc featuring a face design
  • Subdial at 12 o'clock features calendar month indications along with leap year markings in French
  • Fluted winding crown with an arched suspension bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial orientation

Research qualifications

  • The auction catalog title describes the watch as 'openface', yet the photograph clearly depicts a hinged hunter-style front lid
  • Internal cuvette and movement details are not visible in the supplied single primary photograph

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

Consulted source

GUSTAVE SANDOZ, PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH, MINUTE REPEATER A fine and very rare, manual wind, openface perpetual calendar chronograph gold pocket watch. | Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces. | Geneva, November 12, 2017

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9e798a3c4e

Terms in this record

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