Pocket watch · Minute repeating open face pocket watch

Jules Jürgensen minute repeating pocket watch with box and papers

Partially verified

This early 20th-century open face minute repeating pocket watch by Jules Jürgensen is cased in 18 karat rose gold with a 54 mm diameter. The source reports that it is powered by a 31-jewel nickel bar movement featuring Côtes de Genève finishing, stem winding with Jürgensen bow setting, wolf tooth winding, a counterpoised lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic balance with gold screws. The single sunk white enamel dial features black Roman numerals and plum-colored steel Breguet-style hands. Accompanied by a Brazilian rosewood fitted box, certificate, and setting instructions, the case, dial, and movement are reported signed.

Dial and case view of the Jules Jürgensen minute repeating pocket watch displayed in its fitted box with certificate — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Pocket watch · Minute repeating open face pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Jules Jürgensen
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 408
Source-reported date: early 20th century
Country: Denmark
Source-reported serial: 15398

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 External Presentation

The watch is housed in an 18-karat rose gold, open-face case measuring 54 mm in diameter. The case features 'Jurgensen lips' and an engine-turned gold cuvette engraved with maker's details. The watch has a total weight of 130.9 grams.

It is provided with a Brazilian rosewood box lined with red silk and velvet, which contains spare mainsprings, a crystal, and a set of instructions. The auction house notes that the box number does not match the movement serial number, though the certificate number corresponds to the watch serial.

Evidence for this section

“18 karat rose gold hinged back and bezel open face case with Jurgensen lips and maker's details engraved on the engine turned gold cuvette”
“54mm, 130.9g TW”
“red silk and velvet lined Brazilian rosewood box containing spare mainsprings and crystal, card with instructions for setting, and Jurgensen certificate”
“Box number does not match movement number; paperwork good; Certificate number matches watch serial number”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features a single-sunk white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and plum-colored steel Breguet-style hands. The dial is reported in very good condition.

Minor exterior signs of use are noted, including tiny dings and fine scratches on the outer case, with very fine scratches on the crystal and inner case surface.

Evidence for this section

“roman numeral single sunk white enamel dial with plum colored steel Breguet style hands”
“DIAL: Very good. HANDS: Very good.”
“CASE: Tiny dings; Fine scratches on outer surface of case; Very fine scratches on inner surface of case; Crystal with very fine scratches”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is a 31-jewel nickel bar type, described as having Côtes de Genève decoration, a counterpoised lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance with gold screws, gold jewel settings, and wolf tooth winding.

The condition report indicates the movement is in running order but notes it is dirty, with fine scratches on the plates and a patch of oxide on one hammer.

Evidence for this section

“31 jewel, stem wind and with Jurgensen bow setting, cotes de Geneve decorated nickel bar movement with counterpoised lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with gold screws, gold jewel settings and wolf tooth winding”
“MOVEMENT PLATES: Very fine scratches on plate; Patch of oxide on one hammer; Some bright work with fine scratches; Tiny cluster of scratches on gong foot; Dirty.”
“MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Running order (winds, sets and ticks).”

Open research questions

Does the serial number 15398 correlate with internal Jürgensen records to establish a precise manufacturing date?
What is the specific horological construction implied by the term 'Jürgensen lips' in the context of this case style?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jules Jürgensen minute repeating pocket watch with box and papers
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Jewel Count	31 jewel	“31 jewel, stem wind and with Jurgensen bow setting”
Case Material	18 karat rose gold	“18 karat rose gold hinged back and bezel open face case”
Movement Serial	15398	“serial #15398”
Case Diameter	54mm	“54mm, 130.9g TW”
Escapement	Counterpoised lever escapement	“counterpoised lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with gold screws”
Serial Number	15398	“serial #15398”

Visible details

Open face watch resting inside an open fitted wooden presentation box lined with crimson silk and velvet.
White enamel dial with black Roman numerals, outer track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
Jules Jürgensen printed certificate of guarantee displayed in the upper lid pocket behind the watch.

Research qualifications

Movement and case back interior are not depicted in the supplied photograph.
The auction house notes that the box number does not match the movement serial number, though the certificate number matches the watch serial number.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: A good early 20th century minute repeating pocket watch by Jules Jurgensen with box & papers

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 19fcdffddb

Terms in this record

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