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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Tourbillon pocket watch

James C. Pellaton One-Minute Tourbillon Pocket Chronometer

Partially verified

This 18K gold keyless pocket chronometer, identified by serial number 1963, was crafted by James C. Pellaton in Le Locle. The watch features a one-minute tourbillon regulator, which was adjusted by Jeanmairet, and incorporates a Guillaume balance. The timepiece is housed in a "demi-bassine" three-body case, glazed on both sides, with a band featuring engraved laurel leaf decoration. The white enamel dial is accented by black steel Breguet hands, Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds display. The movement is a 19 3/4 ligne Le Locle Technicum caliber, characterized by rhodium plating, fausses cotes decoration, and a three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage. The chronometer includes a blued steel balance spring with a Phillips outer terminal curve and a micrometric screw adjustment for the regulator pins. This specific watch, which retains its original leather fitted box, is documented in Reinhard Meis's publication, "Le Tourbillon".

James C. Pellaton One-Minute Tourbillon pocket watch presented in its original leather box.
James C. Pellaton One-Minute Tourbillon pocket watch presented in its original leather box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Tourbillon pocket watch
Maker / attribution
James C. Pellaton
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
226
Source-reported date
1933
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1963

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 gold three-body case featuring a 'demi-bassine' profile. The construction is notable for being glazed on both sides, which allows for visual access to both the dial and the movement. The band of the case is decorated with a continuous laurel leaf pattern that has been chased and engraved, while the bezels remain polished.

The dial is constructed of white enamel and displays Breguet numerals paired with an outer minute track and a subsidiary seconds dial at the base. The time is indicated by black steel Breguet hands, which contrast against the white enamel surface. The overall design prioritizes legibility and formal clarity consistent with chronometric standards of the era.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Three-body, "demi-bassine", glazed on both sides, band chased and engraved with a continuous laurel leaf pattern, polished bezels.”
  • “D.White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Black steel Breguet hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 19 3/4 ligne Le Locle Technicum caliber finished with rhodium plating and a fausses cotes decoration characterized by narrow stripes. It features a three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage, designed as a one-minute tourbillon. The escapement is a lateral Swiss calibrated lever type.

The regulation system includes a cut anibal-brass Guillaume balance paired with a blued steel balance spring that utilizes a Phillips outer terminal curve. The index regulator features a gold scale plate and the pins are managed via a micrometric screw adjustment. The movement is jeweled to the center to reduce friction in the gear train.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 44,8 mm (19 3/4'''), rhodiumplated, Le Locle Technicum caliber with curved center bridge, fausses cotes decoration with narrow stripes, three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage”
  • “cut anibal-brass Guillaume balance, blued steel balance spring with Phillips outer terminal curve, index regulator with gold scale plate, the pins with micrometric screw adjustment”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is identified by its performance at the Neuchâtel Observatory, having been awarded a Premier Prix in 1933. James C. Pellaton is recognized in the provided literature as an authority on tourbillon production during the 1920s and 1930s. He later became the director of the Le Locle Technicum and received an honorary degree in 1943.

This specific timepiece is officially documented in the book 'Le Tourbillon' by Reinhard Meis, published in 1990. The set is accompanied by its original leather fitted box, which contains printed information confirming the prize-winning history of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Premier Prix Observatoire de Neuchatel 1933.”
  • “This watch is described and illustrated in detail in: "Le Tourbillon", Reinhard Meis, Les Editions de l'amat Paris, 1990, pp. 170-71.”
  • “Accompanied by the original leather fitted box.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific variations in the 'ebauches' used by James C. Pellaton compared to those used by his father?
  • Are there any surviving records from the Neuchâtel Observatory detailing the specific performance metrics achieved by movement number 1963 in 1933?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James C. Pellaton One-Minute Tourbillon Pocket Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJames C. Pellaton“James C. Pellaton, Le Locle”
Serial Number1963“No. 1963”
Case Material18K gold“18K gold”
Movement CaliberLe Locle Technicum“Le Locle Technicum caliber”
Balance TypeGuillaume balance“cut anibal-brass Guillaume balance”
Date1933“Premier Prix Observatoire de Neuchatel 1933”
LiteratureLe Tourbillon, Reinhard Meis“This watch is described and illustrated in detail in: "Le Tourbillon", Reinhard Meis, Les Editions de l'amat Paris, 1990, pp. 170-71.”

Visible details

  • Glazed case-back revealing the tourbillon movement
  • Breguet-style numerals on the white enamel dial
  • Engraved laurel leaf pattern on the case band
  • Original leather fitted box with descriptive interior lettering

Research qualifications

  • The attribution to Jeanmairet for adjustment is reported by the auction description
  • The specific grade of condition relies solely on the provided auction grading system

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

Consulted source

Pellaton One-Minute Tourbillon James C. Pellaton, Le Locle, No. 1963, Premier Prix Observatoire de Neuchatel 1933. Exceptionally fine and important, 18K gold, keyless pocket chronometer with one-minute tourbillon regulator adjusted by Jeanmairet, Le Locle and Guillaume balance. Accompanied by the original leather fitted box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 365e6ee0e1

Terms in this record

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

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