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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer

Jacques-Frédéric Houriet Silver Pocket Chronometer No. 90

Partially verified

This silver pocket chronometer, identified as number 90 and attributed to Jacques-Frédéric Houriet, dates to circa 1825. Measuring 62 mm in diameter, the object features a massive three-body "bassine et filets" polished case. The white enamel dial is marked with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute ring, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a Réaumur temperature sector positioned at the 12 o'clock marker. It uses blued steel Breguet-style hands. The 53.4 mm frosted gilt movement is a three-quarter plate construction utilizing cylindrical pillars and a fusee with Harrison’s maintaining power. The gear train is constructed of gold, and the escapement is an Earnshaw-type spring detent. The watch includes a two-arm compensation balance with sliding weights and a free-sprung blued-steel helical balance spring. A Réaumur thermometer, an invention credited to Houriet, is integrated into the timekeeping display.

Front view of the pocket watch dial alongside the movement details.
Front view of the pocket watch dial alongside the movement details. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Jacques-Frédéric Houriet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
75-43
Source-reported date
circa 1825
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
90

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 Design

The silver case of this pocket chronometer is designed as a three-body construction with a polished "bassine et filets" finish. The overall diameter of the case measures 62 mm. It houses a hinged gilt brass cuvette which is engraved with technical information relating to the watch.

The dial is rendered in white enamel and features radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track for timekeeping. Notably, the dial incorporates a temperature sector at the 12 o'clock position, related to the integrated Réaumur thermometer. The watch is fitted with blued steel Breguet hands for hour and minute indication, and a subsidiary dial for seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Three-body, massive, by ?M.F.?, ?bassine et filets?, polished.”
  • “Hinged gilt brass cuvette engraved with technical details.”
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute ring, temperature sector at 12, subsidiary seconds.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a 53.4 mm frosted gilt movement of three-quarter plate configuration. The movement is secured by cylindrical pillars held with screws. A fusee with chain and Harrison’s maintaining power provides energy, and the gear train is composed of gold wheels. The escapement is an Earnshaw-type spring detent, which is supported by a micrometric U-shaped steel bracket for adjusting the depth of engagement for the locking jeweled pin and escape wheel.

The balance assembly features a two-arm compensation design with two wedged sliding weights and two gold timing screws. The rim of the balance is graduated for temperature adjustment. The movement contains 16 jewels and operates at 21,600 beats per hour. It is presently fitted with a later free-sprung blued-steel helical balance spring.

Evidence for this section
  • “53.4 mm, frosted gilt, three-quarter plate, with cylindrical pillars secured by screws”
  • “the fusee with chain and Harrison?s maintaining power, gold train, 16 jewels, Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement”
  • “The depth of the engagement for the locking jeweled pin and the escape wheel is micrometrically controlled by a special U-shaped steel bracket”

Provenance and Authentication

The watch is numbered 90, and the pillar plate beneath the dial contains the punched "FH" mark identifying it as the work of Jacques-Frédéric Houriet.

The case and movement are both given a grade of 3, described as 'Good' in the cataloging system provided by the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “Numbered and punched with Houriet?s mark ?FH? on the pillar plate under the dial.”
  • “The watch features all the characteristics of Houriet?s work; the watchmaker was sometimes called ?the Swiss Breguet?”
  • “Grading System Grade: Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • Who is the maker represented by the initials '?M.F.?' identified as the case maker?
  • What specific technical details are engraved on the hinged gilt brass cuvette?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jacques-Frédéric Houriet Silver Pocket Chronometer No. 90
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJacques-Frédéric Houriet“Jacques-Frédéric Houriet”
Serial Number90“No. 90”
EscapementEarnshaw-type spring detent“Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement”
Movement Diameter53.4 mm“53.4 mm”
Jewel Count16 jewels“16 jewels”
Case Diameter62 mm“Diam. 62 mm”
ThermometerRéaumur“Réaumur thermometer”

Visible details

  • Case style identified as 'bassine et filets'
  • Presence of a Réaumur thermometer sector on the dial
  • Movement includes a gold train and cylindrical pillars
  • Large balance wheel with graduated rim for temperature adjustment

Research qualifications

  • Maker of the case marked '?M.F.?' is unverified
  • Status of the blued-steel helical balance spring is noted as 'later'
  • The auction description reports the need for an overhaul

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

Consulted source

Jacques-Frédéric Houriet, No. 90, circa 1825. Very fine and rare silver pocket chronometer with Earnshaw type spring detent escapement and Réaumur thermometer.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c8dff6a9ba

Terms in this record

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

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