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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating verge pocket watch

Lepaute 18K Gold and Enamel Openface Quarter Repeating Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

Catalogued as signed by Lepaute a Paris circa 1770, this 30 mm openface pocket watch is cased in 18K gold. The back of the circular case features a polychrome painted enamel scene depicting 'The Temptation' after Herman Van der Myn, framed by a chased geometrically decorated bezel and pierced rim. The source reports that the piece is powered by a gilt-finished verge movement with a chain fusée and finely pierced and engraved balance cock, offering quarter repeating on two hammers onto a bell operated through the pendant.

Back view of the Lepaute 18K gold pocket watch displaying the painted enamel scene after Herman Van der Myn
Back view of the Lepaute 18K gold pocket watch displaying the painted enamel scene after Herman Van der Myn — Antiquorum / EveryWatch. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
everywatch.com
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Lepaute
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
222
Source-reported date
circa 1770
Country
France
Source-reported serial
191

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

Identity and Provenance

Catalogued as signed "Lepaute a Paris, No. 191, circa 1770", this 18K gold openface quarter repeating verge watch measures 30 mm in diameter. The source highlights the piece for its small size relative to eighteenth-century repeating watches.

The recorded provenance traces the watch to The Sandberg Collection, offered at Antiquorum in Geneva on 31 March 2001 as lot 222.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed Lepaute a Paris, No. 191, circa 1770”
  • “18K gold and enamel openface quarter repeating verge watch”
  • “30 mm. diam.”
  • “The Sandberg Collection , Antiquorum, Geneva, 31 March 2001, lot 222.”

Case Decoration and Visual Observations

The case back displays a painted polychrome enamel scene depicting "The Temptation" after Herman Van der Myn. Directly observed, the scene portrays a woman seated in front of a dressing mirror being approached by an older man who is holding a purse.

The circular yellow gold case is edged with chased geometrically decorated borders and pierced perimeter sections. Observable physical details include a side hinge, a perimeter catch button, and a straight cylindrical neck fitted with a hinged oval pendant bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “chased geometrical decorated bezel and pierced rim, painted polychrome enamel scene depicting "The Temptation" after Herman Van der Myn”
  • “Circular yellow gold case with chased geometric foliate borders and pierced perimeter sections”
  • “Polychrome painted enamel back panel depicting a woman seated before a dressing mirror being approached by an older man holding a purse”
  • “Straight cylindrical neck with a hinged oval pendant bow”

Reported Dial and Movement Details

The source describes the watch as featuring a white enamel dial with Roman numerals. The dial is not visible in the provided case-back photograph.

Internally, the timepiece is reported to house a signed gilt-finished verge movement with a chain fusée and a finely pierced and engraved balance cock. The complication provides quarter repeating on two hammers onto a bell, operated through the pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial, Roman numerals”
  • “Gilt-finished verge movement, chain fusée, finely pierced and engraved balance cock, quarter repeating on two hammers onto a bell”
  • “repeating through the pendant, movement signed”

Open research questions

  • What specific text and numbering are engraved on the movement plate?
  • What style and material of hands are present on the dial side?
  • Are French hallmarks or maker punches present on the interior of the case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Lepaute 18K Gold and Enamel Openface Quarter Repeating Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureLepaute a Paris, No. 191, circa 1770“Signed Lepaute a Paris, No. 191, circa 1770”
Movement DetailsGilt-finished verge movement, chain fusée, finely pierced and engraved balance cock“Gilt-finished verge movement, chain fusée, finely pierced and engraved balance cock”
ComplicationQuarter repeating on two hammers onto a bell“quarter repeating on two hammers onto a bell”
Case Artwork"The Temptation" after Herman Van der Myn“painted polychrome enamel scene depicting "The Temptation" after Herman Van der Myn”
Case Diameter30 mm“30 mm. diam.”
ProvenanceThe Sandberg Collection, Antiquorum, Geneva, 31 March 2001, lot 222“The Sandberg Collection , Antiquorum, Geneva, 31 March 2001, lot 222.”
Dial DescriptionWhite enamel dial with Roman numerals“white enamel dial, Roman numerals”
Repeating ActuationRepeating through the pendant“repeating through the pendant”
Movement SignatureMovement signed“movement signed”

Visible details

  • Circular yellow gold case with chased geometric foliate borders and pierced perimeter sections
  • Polychrome painted enamel back panel depicting a woman seated before a dressing mirror being approached by an older man holding a purse
  • Straight cylindrical neck with a hinged oval pendant bow
  • Visible side hinge and catch button on the case perimeter

Research qualifications

  • The white enamel dial and internal verge movement are not visible in the provided case-back photograph.
  • Mechanical attributes, movement signature, and case numbering rely on source descriptions.

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

Consulted source

Jean-André Lepaute Yellow gold White 1770 | EveryWatch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3bff22c58c

Terms in this record

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