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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Le Phare 18k Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Le Phare pocket watch is a minute-repeating timepiece dating to the 1890s. The watch is constructed with an 18-karat yellow gold case, which has a total weight of 114.7 grams. The design incorporates an open-face configuration featuring an ornate inner cover alongside a machine-turned, or guilloché, outer case back. The movement is sized at 43 mm, corresponding to a size 16 measurement. The white dial displays Arabic numerals for the hours and includes a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the bottom. This timepiece functions as a minute repeater, utilizing an internal gong mechanism to signal the time. The overall condition of the object is described as good.

Front view of the Le Phare 18k yellow gold open-face pocket watch, showing the white dial, Arabic numerals, and the subsidiary seconds register.
Front view of the Le Phare 18k yellow gold open-face pocket watch, showing the white dial, Arabic numerals, and the subsidiary seconds register. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Le Phare
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1890s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Features

The pocket watch is housed in an 18-karat yellow gold case. The external surface of the case back is decorated with a machine-turned pattern, identified as guilloché. The construction includes an ornate inner cover, which serves as a dust cap for the movement. The overall weight of the watch is measured at 114.7 grams, indicating substantial gold usage in the case housing. A crown is positioned at the twelve o'clock location for winding and setting purposes.

The side of the case features a small protruding tab, which is consistent with the external actuator used for activating the minute repeater complication. This component allows the user to engage the internal striking mechanism to audibly signal the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in luxurious 18k yellow gold, the watch features a beautiful combination of an ornate inner cover and a machine-turned (guilloche) outer cover.”
  • “the watch has a total mass of 114.7 grammes.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The hands are dark and slender, providing high contrast against the dial surface. A dedicated subsidiary seconds dial is located at the lower portion of the main dial, calibrated with markings for the sixty seconds in a minute.

This timepiece incorporates a minute repeater complication. The integration of this feature indicates a level of mechanical complexity designed to supplement the visual display of the hours, minutes, and seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “This exceptional timepiece boasts a minute repeater gong and a dedicated second dial.”
  • “Introducing a stunning vintage open-face pocket watch crafted by Le Phare.”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is attributed to the maker Le Phare and is dated to the 1890s. The source classifies the object as being from the late 19th century. Although the maker is identified, the specific place of origin is not recorded in the available documentation, leaving the geographic manufacture ambiguous.

The condition of the watch is noted as good by the source description. The total mass is recorded as 114.7 grams, providing a measurable metric for the object's physical composition. The source provides no further information regarding ownership history or specific provenance for this object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Creator: Le Phare”
  • “Date of Manufacture: 1890s”
  • “Place of Origin: Unknown”
  • “Condition: Good”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of movement and caliber used by Le Phare in this 1890s repeater?
  • Does the inner cover contain specific hallmarks or serial numbers that could identify the case maker or country of origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Le Phare 18k Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLe Phare“Creator: Le Phare”
Case Material18k yellow gold“Case Material: 18k Gold,Yellow Gold”
Weight114.7 g“Weight: 114.7 g”
Date of Manufacture1890s“Date of Manufacture: 1890s”
Movement Diameter43 mm (size 16)“With a movement diameter of 43 mm (size 16)”
Case DecorationGuilloche“machine-turned (guilloche) outer cover”
ConditionGood“Condition: Good”

Visible details

  • Open-face dial with Arabic numerals
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position
  • Ribbed winding crown at the twelve o'clock position
  • Small metal tab visible on the side of the case

Research qualifications

  • Specific manufacture location is not documented
  • Internal movement mechanics are not visible in provided photography

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

Consulted source

Le Phare 18 Karat Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Pocket Watch - 1890

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record fe305aa048

Terms in this record

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

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