Pocket watch · Open-face watch

IWC Lépine Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face Lépine pocket watch by International Watch Co. dates to circa 1910 according to the auctioneer. It is cased in 18-karat (750/1000) yellow gold measuring 51.5 mm in diameter, with the case back engraved with initials F.L. The white enamel dial is signed 'International Watch Co.' and features Breguet-style Arabic numerals, an outer 24-hour chapter ring, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and blued Breguet hands. The movement is reported as a gold-plated hand-wound calibre 52, numbered 434361, featuring screwed chatons and fine adjustment with a blued Breguet hairspring.

Front view of the IWC Lépine pocket watch with white enamel dial and attached chain — INEICHEN Zürich AG. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Pocket watch · Open-face watch
Form: Lépine pocket watch
Maker / attribution: IWC (International Watch Co.)
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 25
Source-reported date: ca. 1910
Source-reported place: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: 473811

Maker profile: International Watch Company (IWC) — history, key models and current watchmaking.

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 Construction and Exterior Presentation

The timepiece is an open-face Lépine pocket watch with a top winding crown and bow positioned at 12 o'clock. The source specifies an 18-karat (750/1000) yellow gold case measuring 51.5 mm in diameter, identified under case number 473811, accompanied by a chain accessory.

According to the auction catalog, initials reading 'F.L.' are engraved on the back of the case. Because the back of the case is not depicted in the listing imagery, the engraving style, hallmarks, and surface condition are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section

“Open-face pocket watch with top winding crown and bow at 12 o'clock”
“Yellow gold case, 750/1000, Initials engraved on the back (F.L.)”
“Case No.: 473811”
“Accessories: chain”
“D=: 51,5mm”

Dial and Indication Details

The pocket watch is fitted with a white enamel dial signed 'International Watch Co.' below 12 o'clock. Primary hours are indicated by Breguet-style Arabic numerals, accompanied by an outer chapter ring numbered 13 through 24 for 24-hour timekeeping.

Time is indicated by blued steel Breguet-style hour and minute hands, along with a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial and blued sub-seconds hand positioned at 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section

“White enamel dial with arabic numerals, small seconds at 6 o'clock, blued Breguet style hands, signed: International Watch Co.”
“Outer chapter ring numbered 13 through 24 for 24-hour timekeeping”
“Blued steel Breguet-style hour and minute hands and blued sub-seconds hand”

Reported Movement and Dating

The internal mechanism is reported by the auctioneer as a gold-plated, hand-wound Calibre 52 bearing movement number 434361, estimated in the catalog to date to circa 1910. The seller states that the movement features screwed chatons, fine adjustment, and a blued Breguet hairspring.

No internal movement photography or images of the inner cuvette are included in the source record. Consequently, these mechanical specifications, finishing features, and the circa 1910 date rely entirely on the auctioneer's listing text rather than direct visual observation.

Evidence for this section

“Movement: Gold plated hand wound Movement with screwed chatons, fine adjustement with blued Breguet hairspring.”
“Cal.: 52”
“Movement No.: 434361”
“Year: ca. 1910”

Open research questions

What specific style and execution of engraving are used for the 'F.L.' initials, and what hallmarks or stamps are present inside the case back?
Can physical inspection of movement number 434361 confirm the gold plating, screwed chatons, and regulator configuration against IWC archive records?
What is the metal purity, manufacturer, and link style of the accompanying chain accessory?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for IWC Lépine Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Case material	Yellow gold case, 750/1000	“Yellow gold case, 750/1000, Initials engraved on the back (F.L.)”
Dial	White enamel dial with arabic numerals	“White enamel dial with arabic numerals, small seconds at 6 o'clock, blued Breguet style hands, signed: International Watch Co.”
Calibre	52	“Cal.: 52”
Movement number	434361	“Movement No.: 434361”
Case number	473811	“Case No.: 473811”
Diameter	51.5 mm	“D=: 51,5mm”
Accessories	Chain	“Accessories: chain”
Reported year of manufacture	ca. 1910	“Year: ca. 1910”
Reported movement description	Gold plated hand wound Movement with screwed chatons, fine adjustement with blued Breguet hairspring	“Movement: Gold plated hand wound Movement with screwed chatons, fine adjustement with blued Breguet hairspring.”

Visible details

Open-face pocket watch with top winding crown and bow at 12 o'clock
White enamel dial signed 'International Watch Co.' under 12 o'clock
Blued steel Breguet-style hour and minute hands and blued sub-seconds hand
Outer chapter ring numbered 13 through 24 for 24-hour timekeeping
Yellow-gold-tone curb and link chain attached to the bow and side loop

Research qualifications

Movement is not visible in the provided image; calibre and movement number rely on source auction description
Engraved case back with initials F.L. is not depicted

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