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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Cylinder escapement watch movement

Jean-Antoine Lépine Pocket Watch Movement

Partially verified

This pocket watch movement with a cylinder escapement is recorded by the Science Museum Group as made in Paris, France, between circa 1770 and 1800 by Jean-Antoine Lépine. Catalogued under object number 1934-179, the piece is composed of brass, enamel, and other metals. The movement measures 5 mm in thickness and 30 mm in diameter, with a recorded mass of 0.01 kg. In visible photographs, the dial side presents a convex white enamel dial bearing black Roman hour numerals, Arabic five-minute numerals, and the inscriptions 'LEPINE' and 'INVENIT ET FECIT'.

Dial view of the Jean-Antoine Lépine pocket watch movement
Dial view of the Jean-Antoine Lépine pocket watch movement — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Movement · Cylinder escapement watch movement
Maker / attribution
Jean-Antoine Lépine
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1934-179
Source-reported date
c. 1770-1800
Country
France

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

Identity and Institutional Attribution

Catalogued under object number 1934-179 by the Science Museum Group, this pocket watch movement is attributed to maker Jean Antoine Lepine in Paris, France. The museum dates the piece to circa 1770–1800 within its Time Measurement category.

The museum record lists credit to Mr. G. Pinchard. It records the functional typology of the object as a watch mechanism and cylinder escapement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch movement made by Jean Antoine Lepine, Paris, France, c. 1770-1800.”
  • “Object Number: 1934-179”
  • “credit: Mr. G. Pinchard”

Visual Dial Configuration and Inscriptions

The visible front presents a convex white enamel dial fitted over a polished brass movement plate or ring. Hours are indicated by black Roman numerals, encircled by an outer track displaying Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals and dotted minute divisions.

A central hand arbor protrudes through the center of the dial without hands installed. The dial face carries two inscribed texts: 'LEPINE' between the 10 and 12 positions, and 'INVENIT ET FECIT' across the lower sector.

Evidence for this section
  • “Convex white enamel dial inscribed 'LEPINE' between the 10 and 12 positions and 'INVENIT ET FECIT' across the lower sector.”
  • “Hours are indicated by black Roman numerals, surrounded by an outer track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals and dotted minute divisions.”
  • “A central hand arbor protrudes through the dial center without hands installed.”

Physical Dimensions and Movement Condition

According to the museum record, the object has overall measurements of 5 mm by 30 mm and a mass of 0.01 kg. The listed materials comprise enamel, brass (copper, zinc alloy), and metal (unknown).

Although catalogued as incorporating a cylinder escapement, the escapement, train, and balance are obscured behind the dial in the available photography. In addition, the movement is presented uncased, with no outer watch case or hands visible.

Evidence for this section
  • “Materials: enamel , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and metal (unknown)”
  • “overall: 5 mm 30 mm, 0.01kg”
  • “type: watch mechanism and cylinder escapement”

Open research questions

  • What bridge layout and caliber markings are visible on the reverse plate of this movement under direct examination?
  • What are the specific technical details of the cylinder escapement and balance assembly concealed behind the dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jean-Antoine Lépine Pocket Watch Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJean Antoine Lepine“maker: Jean Antoine Lepine”
Place of OriginParis, France“Watch movement made by Jean Antoine Lepine, Paris, France”
Datec. 1770-1800“c. 1770-1800.”
Object Number1934-179“Object Number: 1934-179”
Escapement TypeCylinder escapement“type: watch mechanism and cylinder escapement”
Dimensions and Mass5 mm x 30 mm, 0.01 kg“overall: 5 mm 30 mm, 0.01kg”
Museum CategoryTime Measurement“Category: Time Measurement”
Acquisition CreditMr. G. Pinchard“credit: Mr. G. Pinchard”

Visible details

  • Convex white enamel dial inscribed 'LEPINE' between the 10 and 12 positions and 'INVENIT ET FECIT' across the lower sector.
  • Hours are indicated by black Roman numerals, surrounded by an outer track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals and dotted minute divisions.
  • A central hand arbor protrudes through the dial center without hands installed.
  • A polished brass movement plate or ring is visible beneath the circumference of the enamel dial.

Research qualifications

  • The movement train, balance, and cylinder escapement mechanism are obscured beneath the dial and not visible in the provided photograph.
  • The watch hands and outer pocket watch case are absent.

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch movement | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record efd4a29dce

Terms in this record

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