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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch

J. Ullmann yellow gold minute repeating grande sonnerie carillon hunter-case pocket watch

Partially verified

This yellow gold hunter-case pocket watch attributed to J. Ullmann is dated circa 1900 by the auctioneer. Featuring a 47 mm case, the watch is catalogued with a manual keyless movement providing minute repeating and quarter-hour self-strike complications, though it is shown closed. The exterior lid exhibits intricate engine-turned barleycorn patterning surrounding a central vacant cartouche encircled by a buckle-and-garter motif. The watch includes a fluted crown and rounded bow at the twelve o'clock position. Christie's notes a white enamel dial inside.

Front view of the closed yellow gold hunter case with engine-turning and vacant central cartouche
Front view of the closed yellow gold hunter case with engine-turning and vacant central cartouche — Christie’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. Ullmann
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
37
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Country
Not established

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

The timepiece is housed in a 47 mm hunter-style case crafted from yellow gold. The exterior covers display engine-turned patterning, centering on a vacant shield-shaped cartouche framed by a garter and buckle motif.

The case periphery features reeding, while the twelve o'clock position is fitted with a ribbed pendant, a fluted winding crown, and a circular bow. A hinge is visible at the bottom edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 47 mm.”
  • “Fine engine-turned patterning covers the visible yellow gold cover.”
  • “A central shield-shaped vacant cartouche is bordered by a garter and buckle motif.”

Dial and Mechanism

The watch is attributed to J. Ullmann and is dated circa 1900. It utilizes a manual keyless movement equipped with a minute repeater and a quarter-hour self-strike function.

The dial is described as white enamel and is reported by the source as being original and crisp, though noted as slightly dirty.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1900”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Minute repeater and quarter-hour self-strike”
  • “DIAL: White enamel”
  • “Original, crisp. Slightly dirty, normal for the age of the watch.”

Condition

The movement was reported as not ticking at the time of cataloguing, with the specialist noting that a service is required due to the watch not being used for a long time. The repeating mechanism was noted as working.

The case is reported to be in generally very good overall condition with slight surface wear and interior engravings and numbers.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is not ticking at the time of cataloguing, repeating is working. A service is highly required as the watch has not been used in a long time.”
  • “In generally very good overall condition, very slight surface wear, nice engine-turning to both sides and engravings and numbers to the inside cover.”

Open research questions

  • What specific engravings and numbers are present on the inside cover?
  • Does the serial number on the inside cover align with known J. Ullmann production records for the circa 1900 period?
  • To what extent does the 'grande sonnerie' functionality remain operational beyond the reported repeating mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J. Ullmann yellow gold minute repeating grande sonnerie carillon hunter-case pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialYellow gold“CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold”
Case Diameter47 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 47 mm.”
Circa1900“CIRCA: 1900”
DialWhite enamel“DIAL: White enamel”
MovementManual, keyless“MOVEMENT: Manual, keyless”
FunctionsMinute repeater and quarter-hour self-strike“FUNCTIONS: Minute repeater and quarter-hour self-strike”

Visible details

  • Fine engine-turned patterning covers the visible yellow gold cover.
  • A central shield-shaped vacant cartouche is bordered by a garter and buckle motif.
  • Ribbed pendant with a fluted winding crown and circular bow at the twelve o'clock position.
  • Case edge shows reeding and a hinge visible at the bottom edge.

Research qualifications

  • The watch is photographed closed; the dial and movement are not visible.
  • Christie's condition report notes the movement was not ticking at the time of cataloguing and requires service, though the repeating mechanism was working.

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

Consulted source

J. ULLMANN, YELLOW GOLD MINUTE REPEATING "GRANDE SONNERIE / CARILLON" HUNTER-CASE POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 0ce71f1007

Terms in this record

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

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