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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant watch

L'Epine 18K Varicolored Gold Pendant Watch

Partially verified

This pendant watch is attributed to L'Epine, Hger du Roy, a Paris, and dates to circa 1770. It features a two-body, 18K varicolored gold case measuring 30 mm in diameter. The back of the case is decorated with an applied varicolored gold flower basket and a dog, set within a green gold laurel leaf frame. An engine-turned ring separates this central motif from the outer green gold floral decoration, and the bezels incorporate an applied gold pattern. The watch is powered by a hinged, 24 mm gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars. It utilizes a fusee and chain mechanism, a verge escapement with micrometric potence adjustment, and a plain brass three-arm balance with a flat balance spring. The movement includes a continental cock and a silver regulation dial. The white enamel dial features radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track with Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals.

Back view of the L'Epine 18K varicolored gold lady's pendant watch, showing the applied floral and dog decoration.
Back view of the L'Epine 18K varicolored gold lady's pendant watch, showing the applied floral and dog decoration. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant watch
Maker / attribution
L'Epine
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
157
Source-reported date
circa 1770
Source-reported place
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

Case and Exterior Decoration

The watch is housed in a two-body case constructed of 18K varicolored gold. The back of the piece is articulated with an applied relief depicting a flower basket positioned behind a dog, which is framed by a laurel leaf motif in green gold. An engine-turned ring serves as a border for the central scene, extending to an outer ring of floral decoration in green gold.

The bezels of the case are adorned with an applied gold repeated pattern, contributing to the overall decorative scheme of the pendant. A pendant bow is fixed to the top of the case for attachment. The watch measures 30 mm in diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, "Louis XVI", the back centered with an applied varicolored gold flower basket behind a dog within a green gold laurel leaf frame, engine-turned ring separating the outer applied green gold floral decoration, bezels with applied gold repeated pattern.”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is driven by a hinged movement measuring 24 mm in diameter. This movement is a gilt brass full plate construction supported by cylindrical pillars. It functions via a fusee and chain system.

The escapement is a verge type, incorporating a micrometric potence adjustment and a continental cock. The balance is a plain brass three-arm variety, paired with a flat balance spring and a silver regulation dial. The movement is signed, though the specific placement of the signature is not detailed beyond the general attribution.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hinged, 24 mm., gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and cain, verge escapement with micrometric potence adjustment, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, continental cock, silver regulation dial.”

Dial and Hands

An outer track provides five-minute Arabic numerals for increased legibility. A winding aperture is positioned between 1 and 2 o'clock on the dial surface.

The watch is equipped with gold Louis XV style hands. The dial itself is signed, and the watch retains its original hands, according to the auction description reports.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with five-minute Arabic numerals, winding aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock. Gold "Louis XV" hands.”
  • “Dial and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific historical context of the 'Allegory of Fidelity' imagery in 18th-century French watchmaking?
  • To what extent was the original movement design modified or repaired over its service life?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for L'Epine 18K Varicolored Gold Pendant Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerL'Epine, Hger du Roy, a Paris“L'Epine, Hger du Roy, a Paris.”
Materials18K varicolored gold“18K varicolored gold lady's pendant watch.”
Movement TypeGilt brass full plate with verge escapement“gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and cain, verge escapement with micrometric potence adjustment”
Case Diameter30 mm“Diam. 30 mm.”
Movement Diameter24 mm“24 mm.”
Dial FeaturesWhite enamel with radial Roman numerals“White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with five-minute Arabic numerals”
Winding MechanismWinding aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock“winding aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock.”

Visible details

  • Case back features a decorative dog and flower basket
  • Engine-turned decoration on the case back
  • Gold Louis XV style hands visible on the dial
  • Pendant bow located at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance beyond a 'Swiss Gentleman' is not provided
  • Specific condition of the enamel dial is only broadly described by the auction house

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

Consulted source

'Allegory of Fidelity' L'Epine, Hger du Roy, a Paris. Made circa 1770. Fine, 18K varicolored gold lady's pendant watch. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 482820ef6a

Terms in this record

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

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