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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Directoire pocket watch

Le Roy decorative pocket watch

Partially verified

This Le Roy open-face pocket watch is identified as a decorative piece produced for the Turkish market, dated to approximately 1820. The watch is constructed in yellow gold and features extensive enamel work. The case-back is decorated with a painted enamel floral arrangement set against a vieux-rose background. The dial is white enamel and displays radial Turkish numerals with blued steel Breguet-style hands. Internally, the watch is equipped with a 15-ligne, full-plate, gilded brass movement featuring a fusee and chain mechanism, a verge escapement, and a monometallic balance with a blued steel flat hairspring. The movement includes a pierced and engraved gilded continental cock. The piece is recorded under serial number 9 892.

Front view of the Le Roy pocket watch showing the dial with Turkish numerals and the enamel bezel; note 'A PARIS' signature on the dial.
Front view of the Le Roy pocket watch showing the dial with Turkish numerals and the enamel bezel; note 'A PARIS' signature on the dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Directoire pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Le Roy
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
345-26
Source-reported date
Circa 1820
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
9 892

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 an open-face, key-winding, round-shaped piece classified as a large Directoire-style pocket watch. The exterior is fabricated from yellow gold and enhanced with decorative enamel. The case-back serves as the primary visual feature, displaying a painted enamel scene of a bouquet of flowers situated within a central panel set against a vieux-rose background.

The dial is composed of white enamel and is marked with radial Turkish numerals, indicating its specific market designation. The time is displayed using blued steel Breguet-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Yellow gold and enamel, open-face, key-winding, round-shaped, large “Directoire” pocket watch.”
  • “Case-back with painting on enamel on gold with, in the centre, a bunch of flowers on vieux-rose background.”
  • “White enamel dial with radial Turkish numerals; blued steel “Breguet” hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is a 15-ligne, full-plate movement constructed of gilded brass. The escapement is a verge type, coupled with a monometallic gilded brass balance and a blued steel flat hairspring.

A key feature of the movement's aesthetic finish is the pierced and engraved gilded continental cock, which secures the balance staff.

Evidence for this section
  • “15’’’, full plate, gilded brass, with fusee and chain, verge escapement, monometallic balance (gilded brass) and blued steel flat hairspring, pierced and engraved gilded continental cock.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Condition and Attribution

The object is attributed to Le Roy and identified as a product of Switzerland. The auction description assigns the piece to circa 1820. Detailed condition notes indicate that the enamelwork has undergone slight restoration and shows minor damage, while the case exhibits light surface scratching consistent with use.

The overall grade provided in the auction report is AA, indicating a 'very good' state of preservation. The dial is described as being in good condition, and the hands are identified as a later addition to the watch compared to the original components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brand Le Roy, Switzerland”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Slightly restored hard enamel”
  • “HANDS Later”

Open research questions

  • What is the relationship between the Le Roy firm at this date and the specific market of the Ottoman Empire?
  • Are there contemporary archival records for serial number 9 892 that confirm the manufacture date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Le Roy decorative pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLe Roy“Le Roy”
OriginSwitzerland“Switzerland”
YearCirca 1820“Circa 1820”
EscapementVerge“verge escapement”
Case DecorationPainted enamel on gold“Case-back with painting on enamel on gold”
Dial NumeralsTurkish“radial Turkish numerals”

Visible details

  • Case features polychrome enamel floral decoration
  • Dial displays Turkish numerals
  • Hands are blued steel
  • Movement includes a pierced and engraved balance cock

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes enamel is slightly restored
  • Movement maintenance status recommended as overhaul

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

Consulted source

LE ROY Decorative pocket watch, made for the Turkish market; yellow gold and enamel

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record dca813228a

Terms in this record

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