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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Hamilton & Co. Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeating Hunting Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This circa 1880 pocket watch features a minute repeater and a perpetual calendar with a retrograde date display and moon phase. The enamel dial features blued steel hands. The internal movement is a Swiss lever caliber, stated to be designed according to the patent of Marius LeCoultre, and is visible through a glazed case back. The dial and movement are signed by the firm Hamilton & Co., which maintained establishments in Calcutta, Bombay, and Simla. According to the auction description, this piece is the only known example featuring this specific combination of retrograde date and perpetual calendar complications within a minute repeating watch.

Front view of the gold hunting case pocket watch with the front cover open, displaying the enamel dial, retrograde date scale, moon phase, and calendar indicators.
Front view of the gold hunting case pocket watch with the front cover open, displaying the enamel dial, retrograde date scale, moon phase, and calendar indicators. — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hamilton & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4304
Source-reported date
circa 1880
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
9150

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 Exterior

The watch is enclosed in an 18K gold hunting case, measuring approximately 55mm in diameter. The case is of the 'a-goutte' hunting style.

The weight of the watch is approximately 177 grams. A glazed aperture at the back allows for the observation of the movement while the watch is closed. The crown is located at the 3 o'clock position in relation to the dial, with a repeater slide on the case band.

Evidence for this section
  • “18K gold, magnificent floral engraving, typical case decoration for the Indian market, hunting case a-goutte”
  • “Ca. Ø55mm, approx. 177g”
  • “glazed movement”

Dial and Complications

The timepiece features an original enamel dial with a standard analog display supplemented by a complex set of astronomical and calendar functions. A moon phase display is located at the 12 o'clock position, and the calendar mechanism includes a retrograde date display.

The watch also includes a minute-repeating complication. The auction description states that, based on their research, this specific configuration—incorporating the retrograde date with the perpetual calendar and repeating mechanism—is the only known example of its kind.

Evidence for this section
  • “perpetual calendar with rare retrograde date display and moon phase”
  • “minute repeater”
  • “original enamel dial”
  • “According to our research, it is the only known example with a retrograde date in combination with the other complications.”

Movement and Signatures

The movement is a Swiss lever caliber. It is identified by the auction house as being constructed according to the patent of Marius LeCoultre. The movement is visible through the glazed case back and displays the necessary components for the repeating and calendar functions.

The watch bears the signature of Hamilton & Co. on the dial and movement, indicating the firm's involvement in its distribution or branding. Hamilton & Co. was founded in Calcutta in 1808 and operated shops across India.

Evidence for this section
  • “very fine precision lever movement”
  • “The movement is a Swiss top calibre according to the patent of Marius LeCoultre.”
  • “signed Hamilton & Co. Calcutta, Bombay & Simla”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific Marius LeCoultre patent referenced be identified by number or date?
  • Does the serial number 9150 correlate with existing production records for Hamilton & Co. or their Swiss suppliers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton & Co. Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeating Hunting Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHamilton & Co.“signed Hamilton & Co. Calcutta, Bombay & Simla”
Case Material18K Gold“18K gold”
Case Number9150“case number 9150”
Diameter55mm“Ca. Ø55mm”
Movement OriginSwiss“The movement is a Swiss top calibre”
Movement DesignMarius LeCoultre patent“according to the patent of Marius LeCoultre”
Weight177g“approx. 177g”

Visible details

  • Floral engraving on the gold case exterior
  • Retrograde date display on the dial
  • Glazed case back revealing the movement
  • Moon phase aperture positioned at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The claim that it is the only known example with this specific combination of complications is based on the source's research
  • The attribution of the movement to the patent of Marius LeCoultre is reported by the auction house

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch: extremely rare splendour hunting case watch with perpetual retrograde calendar and minute repeater, ca. 1880

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b7a9ae93ea

Terms in this record

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

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