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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless pocket watch with karrusel

I.A. & N.C. Keyless Half Hunting Case Karrusel Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This half hunting case keyless pocket watch is attributed to I.A. & N.C., London, circa 1900. Housed in an 18K gold case, the watch features a 52 1/2 minute Bonniksen karrusel regulator. The movement, numbered 125322, is an 18’’’ frosted gilt three-quarter plate calibre with 17 jewels. It incorporates a going barrel, a lateral lever escapement, and a free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance equipped with gold screws. The balance assembly utilizes a blued steel Breguet balance spring with a terminal curve and a diamond endstone. This specific timepiece is documented as having achieved a Class A Kew Certificate with 82 marks. The construction of the karrusel involves a revolving carriage containing the fourth wheel, designed to mitigate position errors during operation.

The obverse of the 18K gold half hunting case pocket watch.
The obverse of the 18K gold half hunting case pocket watch. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless pocket watch with karrusel
Maker / attribution
I.A. & N.C.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
235
Source-reported date
Circa 1900
Source-reported place
London
Source-reported serial
5051

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 timepiece is presented in a half hunting case crafted from 18K gold. This configuration allows for the viewing of the time through an aperture in the front cover, which features Roman numerals arranged in a ring. The design protects the dial while allowing for immediate reading of the hours and minutes.

The auction description notes the case condition as 'Good' and the dial condition as 'Good'. The exterior of the hunting case displays indices, a standard arrangement for this watch configuration, which facilitates reading when the cover is closed.

Evidence for this section
  • “half hunting case,18K gold, keyless pocket watch”
  • “Case: 3 Good”
  • “Dial: 3-01 Good”

Movement and Karrusel

The movement is an 18’’’ frosted gilt three-quarter plate calibre featuring 17 jewels and a going barrel. The technical heart of the watch is the Bonniksen 52 1/2 minute karrusel, a mechanism designed to reduce positional errors by rotating the escapement. Unlike a tourbillon, the karrusel has a slower rotational speed and includes the fourth wheel within the carriage.

Precision timing is maintained by a lateral lever escapement and a free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance, which is fitted with gold screws. A blued steel Breguet balance spring with a terminal curve and a diamond endstone complete the regulation assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “frosted gilt, three quarter plate, 17 jewels, going barrel, lateral lever escapement”
  • “Karrusel: a revolving escapement that is designed to reduce position errors”
  • “having the fourth wheel contained inside the carriage”

Certification and Condition

The watch is distinguished by a Class A Kew Certificate with 82 marks, indicating that it underwent rigorous chronometric testing.

The overall grading is reported as 'AA Very good' according to the auction house's internal system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Kew Certificate, class A, 82 Marks”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the full identity of the maker represented by the initials I.A. & N.C.?
  • Do records at the Kew Observatory provide further details on the performance of movement 125322?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for I.A. & N.C. Keyless Half Hunting Case Karrusel Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerI.A. & N.C., London“I.A. & N.C., London”
Movement Number125322“Movement No. 125322”
Case Number5051“Case No. 5051”
DateCirca 1900“Circa 1900”
CertificationKew Certificate, class A, 82 Marks“Kew Certificate, class A, 82 Marks”
Regulator TypeBonniksen 52 1/2 minute Karrusel“Bonniksen 52 1/2 minute Karrusel”
Jewel Count17“17 jewels”

Visible details

  • Half hunting case with Roman numeral indices on the exterior cover.
  • Frosted gilt three-quarter plate movement finish.
  • Visible Bonniksen karrusel carriage containing the escapement.
  • Blued steel screws securing the movement plates.

Research qualifications

  • The auction house recommends an overhaul for the movement.
  • Attribution to I.A. & N.C. based solely on the provided auction description.

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

Consulted source

KARRUSEL CLASS A KEW CERTIFICATE

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e908459356

Terms in this record

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