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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Le Roy & Fils Small Quarter-repeater

Partially verified

This 18K varicolored gold quarter-repeater, catalogued as a product of Leroy & Cie, Hgers du Roi, Paris, dates to approximately 1875. The watch features an elaborate four-body "bassine" case with a fixed back, heavily decorated with an applied floral and foliage motif in varicolored gold. This decorative scheme is further embellished with inset turquoise and ruby stones, forming a large central rosette, while the band and the front bezel are finished in a matching floral pattern. The watch is keyless and utilizes a cylinder escapement within a matte gilt movement. Time is indicated on a silver dial featuring black radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track, with timekeeping read via blue steel Breguet hands. The movement includes a standing barrel, a three-arm balance with a blued steel flat balance spring, and a repeating mechanism that activates two gongs via two polished steel hammers when the pendant is depressed.

Back view of the 18K varicolored gold quarter-repeating pocket watch showing the rosette of turquoises and rubies with applied floral gold work.
Back view of the 18K varicolored gold quarter-repeating pocket watch showing the rosette of turquoises and rubies with applied floral gold work. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Leroy & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
455
Source-reported date
circa 1875
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
11647

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 Construction and Decoration

The watch features a four-body 'bassine' case constructed from 18K varicolored gold. The design is characterized by an extensive use of applied floral and foliage elements, which create a raised, intricate surface across the case back. This central arrangement is focused around a large, ornate rosette design.

The decorative work incorporates inset turquoises and rubies, contributing to the polychromatic appearance of the piece. The side band and the front bezel are treated with a matching floral aesthetic, ensuring visual continuity across the entire exterior of the watch. The overall architecture is built with a fixed back design.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, "bassine", with fixed back, decorated with turquoises,ruby and applied varicolored gold foliage and flowers forming a large rosette”
  • “band with applied floral pattern, front bezel en suite with turquoises and applied flowers.”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The timepiece is powered by a matte gilt movement that operates on a cylinder escapement. It utilizes a standing barrel and a three-arm balance, paired with a blued steel flat balance spring to regulate its performance. The movement is signed, with the signature specifically located on the cuvette.

The quarter-repeating function is integrated into the movement, designed to sound on two gongs. Activation is achieved through a mechanism connected to the pendant, where depressing the pendant triggers the movement of two polished steel hammers against the gongs.

Evidence for this section
  • “matte gilt, standing barrel, cylinder escapement, three-arm balance blued steel flat balance spring”
  • “repeating on two gongs with two polished steel hammers activated by depressing the pendant. Cuvette signed.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial is finished in silver and is marked with black radial Roman numerals to indicate the hours. An outer minute track surrounds the numerals to facilitate precise time reading. The time is displayed using blue steel Breguet-style hands.

Regarding the condition, the auction documentation reports that the dial exhibits signs of oxidation. The hands are noted as being original to the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver with black radial Roman numerals, outer minute track. Blue steel Breguet hands.”
  • “Dial: 3-6-01 Good Slightly oxidized”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific composition of the varicolored gold alloys used in the case applique?
  • Does the movement serial number 11647 align with existing Leroy & Cie ledgers for the 1875 production period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Le Roy & Fils Small Quarter-repeater
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLeroy & Cie, Hgers du Roi, Paris“Leroy & Cie, Hgers du Roi, Paris”
Serial Number11647“No. 11647”
Datecirca 1875“Made circa 1875”
Case Material18K varicolored gold“18K varicolored gold”
EscapementCylinder escapement“cylinder escapement”
Diameter46 mm“DIAM. 46 mm.”
Thickness13 mm“THICKNESS 13 mm.”

Visible details

  • Case back decorated with a floral motif featuring inset turquoises and rubies
  • Bowed pendant for activating the repeater mechanism
  • Varicolored gold applied foliage creating a textured relief on the case back
  • Radial Roman numerals on a silver dial

Research qualifications

  • Auction description notes the movement is slightly oxidized
  • Auction description recommends an overhaul at the buyer's expense
  • Dial is reported as slightly oxidized in the condition notes

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

Consulted source

LE ROY & FILS SMALL QUARTER-REPEATER TURQUOISE RUBY AND GOLD Leroy & Cie, Hgers du Roi, Paris, No. 11647. Made circa 1875. Fine and rare, 18K varicolored gold Turquoise and ruby quarter-repeating, keyless, pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7521adc92b

Terms in this record

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

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