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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch

J. Barth & Fils Geneva 14k gold hunter pocket watch

Partially verified

This Geneva 14k gold hunter pocket watch is signed 'J. Barth & Fils Genève' on the dial and movement, bearing number 36171. The auction catalog describes a hand-wound movement incorporating a Swiss precision anchor escapement with a Breguet balance wheel, alongside lateral buttons operating chronograph and striking functions. The white dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer calibrated track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The gold hunter case measures 5 cm in diameter with a stated weight of 115.2 g.

Open view of the J. Barth & Fils 14k gold hunter pocket watch showing the white dial and side controls
Open view of the J. Barth & Fils 14k gold hunter pocket watch showing the white dial and side controls — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. Barth & Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
172
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
36171

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 Physical Form

This hunter pocket watch is attributed to J. Barth & Fils and is constructed from 14k gold. It has a measured diameter of 5 cm and a recorded weight of 115.2 g.

The timepiece is identified by the serial number 36171. The maker's signature, "J. Barth & Fils Genève," is reported to be present on both the dial and the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Geneva 14k gold hunter pocketwatch.”
  • “Dial and movement signed "J. Barth & Fils Genève", no. 36171.”
  • “Diameter 5 cm. Weight 115,2 g.”

Dial and Configuration

The white dial features Roman numeral hour markers and an outer track calibrated for minutes and fractions. A subsidiary seconds register is positioned at 6 o'clock.

The case features controls on the side for the chronograph and striking functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “With button for chronograph and striking to the side”

Mechanical Construction and Condition

The watch utilizes a hand-wound movement described as incorporating a Swiss precision anchor escapement with a Breguet balance wheel.

The auction source notes that the movement glazing is missing.

Evidence for this section
  • “With button for chronograph and striking to the side and a fine Swiss precision anchor escapement with a breguet balance wheel. Hand winding.”
  • “The movement glazing lost.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the striking mechanism?
  • Can the serial number 36171 be linked to a specific manufacturing timeframe for J. Barth & Fils?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J. Barth & Fils Geneva 14k gold hunter pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material14k gold“A Geneva 14k gold hunter pocketwatch.”
SignatureJ. Barth & Fils Genève“Dial and movement signed "J. Barth & Fils Genève"”
Number36171“no. 36171”
EscapementSwiss precision anchor escapement with a Breguet balance wheel“fine Swiss precision anchor escapement with a breguet balance wheel”
ComplicationsChronograph and striking“With button for chronograph and striking to the side”
Diameter5 cm“Diameter 5 cm.”
Weight115.2 g“Weight 115,2 g.”
Auction Date12.11.2015“Cologne 12.11.2015”

Visible details

  • Front hunter cover hinged open to the left, showing a white dial signed 'J. BARTH & FILS GENEVE'
  • Black Roman numerals denote hours with an outer track calibrated for minutes and fractions
  • Subsidiary dial positioned at 6 o'clock with central chronograph seconds hand
  • Fluted winding crown with rounded bow at 3 o'clock and side pushers/slides visible on the case band
  • Inner face of the front gold cover is visible

Research qualifications

  • The auction house states that movement glazing is lost
  • Movement is not visible in the provided photograph; escapement and striking details are source-reported

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

Consulted source

A Geneva 14k gold hunter pocketwatch. - Lot 172

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 2ec6c2c636

Terms in this record

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

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