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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless pocket chronometer

H. R. Ekegren 18k gold pocket chronometer

Partially verified

This keyless pocket chronometer, identified by serial number 84522, is attributed to the maker H. R. Ekegren of Geneva, with production credited to E. Koehn for the retailer J. E. Caldwell & Co. of Philadelphia, circa 1916. The watch features an 18-karat gold, three-body polished case with an inset hinge and a gold cuvette containing a dedication dated 1916. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals and a sunk subsidiary seconds dial, accompanied by blued steel Breguet-style hands. Internally, the 18-ligne rhodium-plated movement is built with 21 jewels set in blue sapphires. Technical components include a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement, a brass-invar Guillaume balance, eight adjustments, and a blued steel balance spring with a terminal curve and swan-neck micrometric index. Signatures are present on the dial, case, and movement. The watch measures 51 mm in diameter and is reported by the auction description to be in very good condition.

Front view of the 18k gold pocket chronometer showing the enamel dial and blued steel hands.
Front view of the 18k gold pocket chronometer showing the enamel dial and blued steel hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
H. R. Ekegren, Geneva (made by E. Koehn)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
129
Source-reported date
circa 1916
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
84522

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

The watch is housed in an 18-karat gold case described as a massive, three-body construction with a polished finish and an inset hinge. A gold cuvette, which is an inner protective cover, features an engraving commemorating a dedication dated 1916.

The white enamel dial serves as the face of the instrument and utilizes Roman numerals for time indication. It includes a recessed, or sunk, subsidiary seconds dial positioned towards the bottom. The time is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Three body, massive, polished with inset hinge. Gold cuvette engraved with a dedication dated 1916.”
  • “D. White enamel with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds.Blued steel Breguet hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The chronometer is powered by an 18-ligne, rhodium-plated movement. It incorporates 21 jewels, which are specifically noted as being set in blue sapphires. The timekeeping regulation is managed via a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement paired with a brass-invar Guillaume balance.

Refinement of the timing is achieved through a blued steel balance spring that features a terminal curve and a swan-neck micrometric index for precision adjustment. The movement is documented to have undergone eight adjustments to ensure performance accuracy.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 18-, rhodium plated, 21 jewels in blue sapphire, counterpoised straight line lever escapement, brassinvar Guillaume balance, eight adjustments, blued steel balance spring with terminal curve and swan neck micrometric index.”

Signatures and Condition

The object carries formal signatures identifying the various entities involved in its creation, specifically marked on the dial, the case, and the movement itself.

Regarding its physical state, the auction description reports that the object is in very good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on the dial, case and movement.”
  • “In very good condition.”
  • “Diam. 51 mm.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific text of the dedication engraved on the cuvette?
  • Are the eight adjustments specifically listed on the movement plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for H. R. Ekegren 18k gold pocket chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerH. R. Ekegren, Geneva (made by E. Koehn)“H. R. Ekegren, Geneva, No. 84522, made by E. Koehn, for J. E Caldwell & Co.”
Movement18-ligne, rhodium plated, 21 jewels“18-, rhodium plated, 21 jewels in blue sapphire”
EscapementCounterpoised straight line lever“counterpoised straight line lever escapement”
BalanceBrass-invar Guillaume balance“brassinvar Guillaume balance”
Case typeThree body, massive, polished with inset hinge“C. Three body, massive, polished with inset hinge.”
Diameter51 mm“Diam. 51 mm.”
Dial detailsWhite enamel with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds“White enamel with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds
  • Polished gold case with bow and crown
  • Signed 'H. R. Ekegren Geneva' on the dial
  • Subsidiary dial positioned at six o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Dedication engraving on cuvette content is not provided
  • Specific movement adjustment conditions are not listed

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

Consulted source

H. R. Ekegren, Geneva, No. 84522, made by E. Koehn, for J. E Caldwell & Co. Philadelphia, circa 1916. Very fine 18 ct. gold, keyless pocket chronometer.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5b779c9e3a

Terms in this record

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

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