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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

J. Trilla Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This keyless minute-repeating pocket watch, produced circa 1890 by J. Trilla in Genève, features an 18K multicolored gold case of a five-body bassine et filets construction. The front of the case is decorated with an applied rose gold tiger fighting a serpent set against a jungle background, while the case back displays foliate engraving. The band and bezels are finished with a repeated pattern. Inside, the watch is fitted with a gold hinged cuvette. The white enamel dial is set with painted radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions with 5-minute Arabic markers, and a subsidiary sunk seconds dial. The nickel-finished movement, measuring 47 mm (21 lignes), is damascened in a wavy pattern and includes 32 jewels, a straight-line calibrated lever escapement, a cut-bimetallic compensation balance, and a Breguet palladium balance spring. The repeating mechanism is activated by a slide on the band. The dial, case, and movement are signed.

Front view of the 18K multicolored gold pocket watch displaying the relief of a tiger fighting a serpent.
Front view of the 18K multicolored gold pocket watch displaying the relief of a tiger fighting a serpent. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. Trilla
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
230
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
20883

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 18K multicolored gold five-body case of the bassine et filets type. The case back is finished with foliate engraving, and the band and bezels feature a repetitive engraved pattern. A gold hinged cuvette protects the internal movement.

The dial is crafted from white enamel and features painted radial Roman numerals. It incorporates an outer track for minute divisions, accented with 5-minute Arabic markers at each interval. A subsidiary sunk seconds dial is positioned on the main dial surface. The case, dial, and movement are fully signed by the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Five-body,?bassine et filets?, solid, front with applied rose gold tiger fighting a serpent in a jungle”
  • “case back with foliate engraving, band and bezels engraved in repeated pattern”
  • “White enamel with painted radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions with 5-minute Arabic markers, subsidiary sunk seconds dial”

Movement and Mechanics

The movement is a 47 mm, 21-ligne nickel caliber, distinguished by a damascened wavy pattern across its plates. It is a keyless, minute-repeating caliber containing 32 jewels. The watch utilizes a straight-line calibrated lever escapement paired with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance.

To regulate the timing, the movement is equipped with a Breguet palladium balance spring. The minute-repeating function is operated via a slide integrated into the side of the case, which activates the gongs to chime the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “nickel,damascened in a wavy pattern, 32 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement”
  • “cut-bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet palladium balance spring”
  • “repeating on gongs by activating slide on the band”

Condition and Attribution

The object is attributed to the Genevan maker J. Trilla and is dated to circa 1890. The auction house has provided a grading assessment for the individual components of the watch, specifically assigning grades for the case, movement, and dial.

The dial and case components are catalogued under the firm's specific grading system.

Evidence for this section
  • “J. Trilla, Genève, No. 20883. Produced circa 1890”
  • “Grading System Grade: A Good Case: 3 - 15 Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3 - 01”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific composition of the multicolored gold used in the tiger relief?
  • Did J. Trilla produce movements in-house or source them from other Genevan blanc établisseur manufacturers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J. Trilla Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. Trilla, Genève“J. Trilla, Genève”
Serial number20883“No. 20883”
Datecirca 1890“Produced circa 1890”
Case material18K multicolored gold“18K multicolored gold watch”
Movement calibre47 mm (21 lignes)“Cal. 47 mm (21???)”
Jewels32“32 jewels”
Dial descriptionWhite enamel“White enamel with painted radial Roman numerals”
EscapementStraight line calibrated lever“straight line calibrated lever escapement”

Visible details

  • Applied rose gold relief of tiger and serpent on the front cover
  • Engraved foliate pattern on the case back
  • Repeating slide mechanism visible on the case band
  • Radial Roman numerals on the white enamel dial

Research qualifications

  • The auction report suggests a good condition but notes an overhaul is recommended
  • The exact gold karat composition for the 'multicolored' aspects is not specified beyond the 18K housing

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

Consulted source

Tiger Fighting a Serpent J. Trilla, Genève, No. 20883. Produced circa 1890. Very fine, keyless, minute-repeating, 18K multicolored gold watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 23cb29cb7f

Terms in this record

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

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