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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute-repeating chronograph

Jules Jurgensen Minute Repeating Chronograph

Partially verified

This Jules Jurgensen pocket watch, serial number 14338, is a minute-repeating keyless chronograph crafted in 18k pink gold. The watch is housed in a four-body polished "bassine et filets" hunter case, measuring 44 mm in diameter, which features black champlevé Roman numerals around the dial aperture. The white enamel dial is equipped with Roman numerals, outer red Arabic minute and chronograph tracks, and a subsidiary seconds dial. It is powered by a nickel-plated 16-ligne movement with 29 jewels, an equilibrated straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic balance with a Breguet overcoil spring. The watch incorporates a sliding repeater mechanism on the case band and a push-piece for the chronograph function. It features the signature Jules Jurgensen patented hand-setting mechanism operated via the folding bow. The piece is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

View of the Jules Jurgensen watch with its case cover open, revealing the dial with Roman numerals.
View of the Jules Jurgensen watch with its case cover open, revealing the dial with Roman numerals. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute-repeating chronograph
Maker / attribution
Jules Jurgensen
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
78
Source-reported date
circa 1880
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
14338

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 features a four-body "bassine et filets" polished 18k pink gold case of the hunter type. A defining feature of the case is the inclusion of black champlevé Roman numerals directly onto the surface surrounding the dial aperture. The piece includes a gold glazed cuvette to protect the movement.

The white enamel dial utilizes Roman numerals for the primary time display. It includes an outer red Arabic minute and chronograph scale, alongside a subsidiary seconds indicator. The time is displayed via blued steel Breguet-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body massive "bassine et filets" polished case with black champlevé Roman numerals around the dial aperture.”
  • “White enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer red Arabic minute and chronograph rings and subsidiary seconds.”

Movement and Functions

The movement is a nickel-plated 16-ligne caliber featuring 29 jewels. The timekeeping regulation is managed by an equilibrated straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and a Breguet balance spring.

The watch includes a minute-repeating function activated by a slide on the case band, as well as an integrated chronograph with a dedicated push-piece on the band. A specific technical feature is the patented hand-setting system, which is operated using the folding bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fine nickel plated 16" movement, 29 jewels, equilibrated straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring.”
  • “The visible chronograph work with a push piece on the band. Jules Jurgensen patented hand-setting device by means of the folding bow.”

Signatures and Condition

The watch is signed by Jules Jurgensen on the dial, the case, and the movement, confirming the attribution to the maker. The watch is presented as being in very good condition according to the auction description.

The presence of the serial number 14338 and the manufacturer's location in Copenhagen are noted, while the production is identified as Swiss, dating to approximately 1880.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on the dial, the case and the movement.”
  • “In very good condition.”
  • “Jules Jurgensen, Copenhagen, No. 14338, Swiss, circa 1880.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific patent date for the folding bow hand-setting mechanism used by Jules Jurgensen?
  • Does the case bear specific hallmarks or makers' marks beyond the signature to confirm the 18k gold content?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jules Jurgensen Minute Repeating Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJules Jurgensen“Jules Jurgensen, Copenhagen”
Material18k pink gold“18k pink gold”
Serial Number14338“No. 14338”
Diameter44 mm“Diam. 44 mm”
Movement TypeNickel-plated 16-ligne“Fine nickel plated 16" movement”
Jewel Count29“29 jewels”
Repeating MechanismGong-based slide“Repeating on gongs by means of a slide on the band”
Hand-setting mechanismPatented folding bow“Jules Jurgensen patented hand-setting device by means of the folding bow”

Visible details

  • Case features black champlevé Roman numerals on the cover
  • Folding bow used for hand-setting
  • Sliding lever for minute repeater mechanism on the side
  • White enamel dial with red outer track

Research qualifications

  • Condition reported as very good, but no service history stated
  • Verification of components requires internal inspection not possible from photos

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

Consulted source

Jules Jurgensen, Copenhagen, No. 14338, Swiss, circa 1880.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b3655ed11a

Terms in this record

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

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