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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Masonic regulator pocket watch

James Favre-Fallet Swiss silver Masonic regulator pocket watch

Partially verified

This large open-face regulator pocket watch is attributed by the seller to the Swiss manufacturer James Favre-Fallet of Saint-Imier, dated to circa 1890–1893 based on registered hallmarks and branding. The white enamel dial features polychrome Masonic symbols at the hour positions, along with the Eye of Providence, crossed sprigs, an open book, square and compasses, and the columns J and B. The case is reported to bear French 800-fineness chimera import hallmarks stamped for Pontarlier. According to the seller, the internal 15-jewel Swiss movement incorporates a straight-line anchor escapement and Breguet balance spring.

Dial and silver case front of the James Favre-Fallet Masonic regulator pocket watch
Dial and silver case front of the James Favre-Fallet Masonic regulator pocket watch — Pineaud gil. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Pocket watch · Masonic regulator pocket watch
Maker / attribution
James Favre-Fallet
Reference
1610061
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890-1893
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
94427-1

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 and Hallmarking

The watch features a solid silver case measuring 6.4 cm in diameter and 1.7 cm in depth, including a fluted brass winding crown, a solid silver bail, and a pendant-actuated push-piece for time setting.

The case exhibits the French chimera import hallmark, indicating 800/1000 fineness. This hallmark is stamped on the bowl, dust cover, and edge of the case, and includes the letter 'P' attributed to the Pontarlier guarantee office.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter: 6,4 cm. Height: avec la bélière: 9 cm. Depth: 1,7 cm.”
  • “French chimera hallmark of 800/1000 fineness expressed in thousandths for imported watchmaking”
  • “The letter P corresponds to the different of the precious metals guarantee office of Pontarlier”

Dial and Iconography

The polychrome white enamel dial features Masonic symbols in place of standard hour indices. It bears the painted inscription 'regulator', 'Swiss made', and the abbreviation 'ALGDGADLU' (To the glory of the great architect of the universe).

Additional elements include the letters 'J' and 'B' placed within columns at nine and three o'clock respectively, signifying the columns of the temple of Solomon. The watch is fitted with Louis XV style gilded metal hands and a subsidiary seconds dial with a gilded steel hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial in polychrome radiant white enamel painted with indexes in Masonic symbols for the hours”
  • “the letters ALGDGADLU which is the abbreviation of: To the glory of the great architect of the universe”
  • “Two other letters are present, .J. In a column at nine o'clock and .B. in another column at three o'clock”

Movement and Provenance

The movement is described as a 15-jewel Swiss-made anchor escapement with a Breguet balance spring. The dust cover and cuvette are engraved with the number 94427-1, though the source notes the engraving on the cuvette is partially erased.

The manufacturer is identified as James Favre-Fallet of Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The dust cover carries the 'FJF' logo with a star above the letter 'J'.

Evidence for this section
  • “15 jewel jeweled anchor escapement, straight line, Bréguet balance spring”
  • “Number 94427-1 engraved in hollow on the dust cover and the cuvette partially erased.”
  • “FJF logo with a star above the letter J of the Swiss watch brand James Favre-Fallet”

Open research questions

  • Are the serial numbers 94427 and 94427-1 functionally linked to the manufacturer's internal production sequence?
  • Does the 'partially erased' condition of the cuvette engraving correlate with historical servicing or unauthorized alterations?
  • Can the discrepancy between the reported 1893 hallmarking cutoff and the alleged manufacturing date be reconciled with confirmed Swiss production registers for James Favre-Fallet?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James Favre-Fallet Swiss silver Masonic regulator pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker LocationSaint-Imier, Switzerland“watch brand James Favre-Fallet located in Saint-Imier in French-speaking Switzerland in the canton of Bern”
Movement Jewels15 jewels“15 jewels no. 94427 and the FJF logo”
Silver Hallmark800/1000 chimera import hallmark“French chimera hallmark of 800/1000 fineness expressed in thousandths for imported watchmaking”
Dial InscriptionsRégulateur, Swiss made, and A.L.G.D.G.A.D.L.U.“mention painted in black regulator, Swiss made, and the letters ALGDGADLU”
DimensionsDiameter 6.4 cm; Depth 1.7 cm“Diameter: 6,4 cm. Height: avec la bélière: 9 cm. Depth: 1,7 cm.”
Gross Weight175.67 grams“Gross weight: 175.67 gr.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial displaying painted polychrome Masonic emblems replacing traditional hour markers
  • Dial inscribed 'Régulateur', 'A.L.G.D.G.A.D.L.U.', and 'SWISS MADE' around a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Gilt metal pierced Louis XV style hands for hours and minutes
  • Fluted gilt brass onion winding crown with a curved silver bow and adjacent case push-piece

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition, jeweling, and inner case dust cover engravings are reported by the seller but not visible in the primary photograph.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: James Favre Fallet Swiss Masonic Regulator Pocket Watch In S

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record d705f3ee00

Terms in this record

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