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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Gem-set cocktail watch

La Montre Royale de Genève Gem-Set Cocktail Watch

Partially verified

This ladies' cocktail watch by La Montre Royale de Genève, dated to 1979, features an 18-jewel manual-wind movement. The watch is defined by a circular dial integrated into a geometric composition of coral and onyx, embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds. The dial assembly is framed by fine ropetwist detailing and sits within a polished case, which includes a snap-on back. The piece is fitted with a basket-weave bracelet, which bears the maker's mark 'JPE' for the bracelet maker Jean-Pierre Ecoffey. The watch exhibits a coral-accented crown. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer. The case measures 33mm in diameter, and the total length of the piece is 19.2cm. It carries London hallmarks corresponding to the 1979 date. The total gross weight is approximately 70.5 grams, with the watch head contributing to this weight.

Full view of the La Montre Royale de Genève cocktail watch showing the coral and onyx dial with diamond inlay.
Full view of the La Montre Royale de Genève cocktail watch showing the coral and onyx dial with diamond inlay. — Adam's (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Gem-set cocktail watch
Maker / attribution
La Montre Royale de Genève
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
99
Source-reported date
1979
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
58956 & 5729

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

Design and Materials

The circular dial is arranged with sections of coral and onyx, creating a stark visual contrast. Brilliant-cut diamonds are set in a chevron-like formation across the dial, extending outwards to the bezel. A fine ropetwist detail encircles the central dial area, providing a textured frame against the polished case finish.

The watch is accompanied by a distinctive basket-weave bracelet, an element identified as a production of The winding crown is finished with a small coral inset, maintaining the material theme of the watch face. The total gross weight of the timepiece is approximately 70.5 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “the circular dial geometrically set with coral, onyx and brilliant-cut diamonds extending to the bezel, within fine ropetwist detailing”
  • “fitted basket weave bracelet, coral crown”
  • “bracelet clasp with maker's mark 'JPE' for Jean-Pierre Ecoffey”

Movement and Signatures

The watch is powered by an 18-jewel manual-wind movement. The auction documentation states that the dial, case, and movement are all signed by La Montre Royale de Genève.

The case carries specific identifying numbers, recorded as 58956 and 5729, and is further validated by London hallmarks dating the object to 1979.

Evidence for this section
  • “18-jewels manual wind movement”
  • “dial, case and movement signed”
  • “case no. 58956 & 5729, London hallmarks for 1979”

Condition Report

The auction house reports that the glass crystal is free of observed scratches and that the coral and onyx plaques do not show signs of damage. The brilliant-cut diamonds are described as bright. The bracelet shows minor signs of wear consistent with age, and the overall condition is described as good, with the movement appearing clean at the time of inspection.

The watch was observed to be in running condition at the time of the auction cataloguing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glass: no scratches observed”
  • “Coral and onyx plaques: no damage observed”
  • “In running condition at the time of cataloguing”
  • “Movement clean”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific model designation for this watch within the La Montre Royale de Genève archive?
  • Does the serial number sequence '58956 & 5729' indicate a specific series or limited production run for this design?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for La Montre Royale de Genève Gem-Set Cocktail Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLa Montre Royale de Genève“LA MONTRE ROYALE DE GENÈVE”
Movement18-jewels manual wind“18-jewels manual wind movement”
Bracelet MakerJean-Pierre Ecoffey“bracelet clasp with maker's mark 'JPE' for Jean-Pierre Ecoffey”
Case dimensions33mm diameter“case: 33mm”
Total length19.2cm“length 19.2cm”
HallmarksLondon hallmarks for 1979“London hallmarks for 1979”

Visible details

  • Geometric dial arrangement using contrasting coral and onyx
  • Rope-twist decorative border surrounding the central dial
  • Basket-weave bracelet construction with 'JPE' maker's mark
  • Coral-accented winding crown

Research qualifications

  • The movement has not been tested for accuracy or power reserve duration
  • Importation of materials such as coral may be subject to international trade restrictions

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

Consulted source

LA MONTRE ROYALE DE GENÈVE: A RARE LADY'S GEM-SET COCKTAIL WATCH, 1979 18-jewels manual wind movement, the circular dial geometrically set with coral, onyx and brilliant-cut diamonds extending to the bezel, within fine ropetwist detailing, polishe

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a80911aa93

Terms in this record

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