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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

J. F. Bautte & C. Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique Swiss pocket watch is a quarter-repeater, attributed to the Geneva maker J. F. Bautte & C. and dated to the early 19th century. The watch features a complex double-cased construction. The outer gold case is decorated with blue and white enamel motifs, while the inner 18-karat gold case features engine-turned (guilloché) engraving with floral details and a scalloped edge. The white enamel dial is marked with Roman numerals and minute tracks, paired with gilt hands. The watch is powered by a gilt bar-calibre movement, wound via a key, and incorporates a cylinder escapement. A quarter-repeater mechanism is activated by the pendant, striking the time on two polished steel gongs. According to the source, the movement number 61338 is recorded on the cuvette, and the outer case is marked with serial 69476. The watch exhibits some signs of age, including fine surface hairline cracks on the dial.

Outer view of the decorative enamel case next to the inner gold case.
Outer view of the decorative enamel case next to the inner gold case. — Pieces of Time / Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. F. Bautte & C.
Reference
61338
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Early 19th century
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
61338

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 elaborate double-case arrangement, a characteristic feature documented in the source. The outer gold case displays vibrant blue and white enamel work with intricate foliate motifs that follow the scalloped contour of the rim. This decorative layer protects the inner case, which is crafted from 18-karat gold.

The inner case back is finished with engine-turned (guilloché) patterning and hand-engraved floral motifs. The dial is composed of white enamel, featuring traditional black Roman numerals for the hours and fine hash marks for the minute scale, all complemented by gilded metal hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه بیرونی ساعت از جنس طلا بوده و با میناکاری لعابی غنی به رنگ‌های لاجوردی و سفید با نقوش ظریف تزیین شده است”
  • “قاب داخلی ساعت از جنس طلای ۱۸ عیار با پشت گیوشه (Engine turned) و حکاکی دستی طرح گل ساخته شده”

Movement and Mechanism

The interior houses a gilt bar-calibre movement featuring a suspended going barrel. The technical specifications include a three-armed balance wheel paired with a blued steel hairspring, a polished steel regulator, and a polished steel cylinder escapement.

The watch functions as a quarter-repeater. By pressing the pendant, the mechanism strikes the hour and the preceding quarter against two polished steel gongs. This feature requires a key for winding the mainspring and the repetition train.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت از نوع باریک بار-کالیبر (Bar movement) با روکش طلا (Gilt) و فنر محرک معلق (Suspended going barrel)”
  • “قابلیت تکرارکننده ربع ساعت با فشردن حلقه آویز (Push pendant) عمل کرده و زمان را با دو چکش بر روی دو گنگ فولادی صیقلی اعلام می‌دارد.”

Signatures and Marks

Documentation provided by the source identifies the piece as a product of the Geneva-based firm J. F. Bautte & C. The manufacturer's details and technical identifiers are engraved on the cuvette, which acts as a protective cover for the movement.

The catalogue explicitly lists the serial number 61338 appearing on the cuvette, while a separate number, 69476, is associated with the outer gold case. These markers assist in distinguishing the specific components of the watch assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساخت سازنده سرشناس سوئیسی J. F. Bautte & C. در ژنو بوده”

Open research questions

  • Does the difference in serial numbers between the cuvette and outer case indicate a later marriage of components?
  • Are there any identifiable hallmarks on the case that could further narrow the date of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J. F. Bautte & C. Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. F. Bautte & C.“J. F. Bautte & C.”
Movement TypeGilt bar-calibre“از نوع باریک بار-کالیبر (Bar movement) با روکش طلا (Gilt)”
EscapementCylinder escapement“چرخ‌دنگ استوانه‌ای”
Repeating SystemQuarter-repeater“مکانیزم تکرارکننده ربع ساعت (Quarter Repeater)”
Outer Case Serial69476“۶۹۴۷۶ روی قاب بیرونی”

Visible details

  • Blue and white enamel ornamentation on outer case
  • Scalloped edges on the internal casing
  • Roman numerals on white enamel dial

Research qualifications

  • Operational state of the repeating mechanism is not confirmed
  • Condition of the enamel and internal springs requires professional physical assessment

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

Consulted source

Decorative Double Cased Quarter Repeater

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 346a982bb9

Terms in this record

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

Other quarter repeating pocket watch records