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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting cased independent seconds watch

Jules Jürgensen independent seconds watch with recorder

Partially verified

This Jules Jürgensen pocket watch, numbered 5399, is a Swiss-made, 18-karat gold hunting cased timepiece dating to approximately 1860. The watch features an independent seconds mechanism accompanied by an hour and minute recorder. It is housed in a four-body, massive "forme quatre baguettes" case that displays a polished finish and a reeded band. The white enamel dial is configured with two symmetrical small Roman numeral chapters, one for mean time and one for the hour and minute recorder, along with a subsidiary seconds dial. An independent seconds ring is positioned on the bezel border. The movement is an 18-ligne gilt brass double train caliber featuring bar construction and 29 jewels. It incorporates a Swiss swan neck lateral lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and a Breguet balance spring. The watch is presented in its original fitted box, and it is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

Front view of the Jules Jürgensen hunting cased watch showing the dual-register enamel dial and independent seconds track on the bezel.
Front view of the Jules Jürgensen hunting cased watch showing the dual-register enamel dial and independent seconds track on the bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting cased independent seconds watch
Maker / attribution
Jules Jürgensen
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
80
Source-reported date
circa 1860
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
5399

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 encased in a massive four-body gold case described as "forme quatre baguettes." The exterior surfaces are polished, while the band features reeded decoration. A hinged gold cuvette protects the internal movement, and this component includes an engine-turned border.

The white enamel dial exhibits a specialized layout to accommodate the recorder functions. It includes two symmetrical sub-dials with Roman numerals; one dedicated to mean time and the other to the hour and minute recorder. A subsidiary seconds dial is integrated into this display. The bezel contains an outer ring calibrated specifically for the independent seconds function.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body, massive, "forme quatre baguettes", polished with reeded band.”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette with engine-turned border.”
  • “White enamel with symmetrical small Roman chapters for mean time and hour and minute recorder, subsidiary seconds and outer independent seconds ring on the border of the bezel.”

Movement and Escapement

The timekeeping mechanism is an 18-ligne gilt brass movement utilizing a bar caliber construction. The movement design incorporates going barrels and is jeweled to 29 settings. It is equipped with a Swiss swan neck lateral lever escapement.

Regulation of the watch is handled through a cut bimetallic balance, which functions in conjunction with a Breguet-style balance spring. The mechanical architecture utilizes a double train configuration to support the independent seconds and recorder complications.

Evidence for this section
  • “18"'gilt brass double train, bar calibre with going barrels, 29 jewels Swiss swan neck lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring.”

Signatures and Condition

The object is identified by the serial number 5399. Formal signatures are present on multiple components of the watch, including the dial, the case, and the movement plates.

The auction description provides a high-level summary regarding the current state of the object, noting it is presented in its original fitted box. The auction description reports the condition as good.

Evidence for this section
  • “Jules Jürgensen, Copenhagen No. 5399”
  • “Signed on the dial, case and movement.”
  • “h1 good condition.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific functionality of the hour and minute recorder mechanism?
  • Does the 'Copenhagen' designation on the dial imply specific technical modifications made by Jürgensen's shop during this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jules Jürgensen independent seconds watch with recorder
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJules Jürgensen“Jules Jürgensen, Copenhagen No. 5399”
Datecirca 1860“circa 1860”
Material18 ct. gold“Fine 18 ct. gold”
Diameter51 mm“Diam. 51 mm.”
MovementGilt brass double train“18"'gilt brass double train, bar calibre”
Jewel count29“29 jewels”
Case typeHunting cased, four body“Four body, massive, "forme quatre baguettes”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with two subsidiary time/recorder registers
  • Independent seconds track located on the outer bezel
  • Polished four-body case with reeded band
  • Blued steel Breguet-style hands

Research qualifications

  • The internal condition of the movement mechanism is not verified beyond the auction report
  • The operational status of the independent seconds and recorder functions is not independently tested

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

Consulted source

Jules Jürgensen, Copenhagen No. 5399, Swiss, circa 1860. Fine 18 ct. gold, hunting cased, independent seconds watch with hour and minute recorder, in original fitted box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1085c07931

Terms in this record

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