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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Lepaute 18th-century gold pocket watch

Partially verified

This 18th-century French pocket watch is housed in an 18-karat gold case measuring 4.5 cm in diameter. The source reports indistinct hallmarks on the case and a white enamel dial marked 'Lepaute'. Visible in the hinged open assembly is a gilt movement signed 'Lepaute No 428' and 'au Luxembourgs'. The top plate features an intricately pierced and engraved floral balance cock, blued steel screws, and a silvered regulator disc graduated 1 through 6. Elaborate chased or repoussé scroll and wave motifs decorate the exterior and interior of the gold case and bezel.

Top-plate view of the Lepaute pocket watch movement showing the pierced balance cock, regulator disc, and maker engraving inside the open gold case
Top-plate view of the Lepaute pocket watch movement showing the pierced balance cock, regulator disc, and maker engraving inside the open gold case — Bukowskis. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bukowskis.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Lepaute
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1113
Source-reported date
18th century
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
428

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 Exterior Ornament

The auction catalog describes the pocket watch as cased in 18k gold with a diameter of 4.5 cm. The source notes that the case bears indistinct hallmarks, so specific assay, wardens', or maker stamps are not recorded in this source.

Visual observation shows fluted or wavy chased scrollwork ornamenting the outer case and the inner bezel flange. The gilt movement is hinged to swing away from the case assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Boett av guld, 18k.”
  • “Diam 4,5 cm.”
  • “Boetten med otydliga stämplar.”
  • “Wavy chased or fluted scrollwork decorating the outer case and inner bezel flange”
  • “Hinged gilt movement swung out to display the top plate, balance cock, and regulator assembly”

Movement Architecture and Signatures

The gilt movement plate is engraved with the signature 'Lepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs'. The auction listing dates the watch to the 18th century, adding background context regarding the Lepaute watchmaking dynasty in Paris with a workshop associated with the Luxembourg Palace.

Visual inspection of the swung-out movement reveals an openwork balance cock pierced with dense floral and scroll motifs and flanked by blued steel screws. An inset silvered regulator dial disc is graduated with numerals 1 through 6.

Evidence for this section
  • “Urverk märkt "Lepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs".”
  • “A French 18th century pocket watch by Lepaute, dial face marked "Lepaute" clockwork marked "Lepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs".”
  • “(urmakardynasti i Paris från 1740-talet t.o.m. 1800-talets början, med verkstad i Luxembourgpalatset vid Louvren).”
  • “Openwork balance cock pierced with dense floral and scroll motifs, flanked by blued steel screws”
  • “Silvered regulator dial disc calibrated with numbers 1 to 6”

Dial and Documentation Limits

The catalog records a white enamel dial marked 'Lepaute'. However, the dial is not visible in the provided photograph, which depicts only the opened case and the top plate of the movement.

Details regarding the underlying escapement type, train wheel arrangement, and functional mechanical condition are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vitemaljerad urtavla märkt "Lepaute"”
  • “Hinged gilt movement swung out to display the top plate, balance cock, and regulator assembly”

Open research questions

  • What chapter ring format, numerals, and hand designs are present on the white enamel dial?
  • Can specialized optical examination decipher the indistinct hallmarks on the 18k gold case?
  • What specific escapement mechanism is fitted beneath the top plate of movement No. 428?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Lepaute 18th-century gold pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement signatureLepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs“Urverk märkt "Lepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs".”
Dial signatureLepaute“Vitemaljerad urtavla märkt "Lepaute"”
Case material18k gold“Boett av guld, 18k.”
Diameter4.5 cm“Diam 4,5 cm.”
Case hallmarksIndistinct hallmarks“Boetten med otydliga stämplar.”

Visible details

  • Hinged gilt movement swung out to display the top plate, balance cock, and regulator assembly
  • Gilt plate engraved with 'Lepaute No 428' and 'au Luxembourgs'
  • Openwork balance cock pierced with dense floral and scroll motifs, flanked by blued steel screws
  • Silvered regulator dial disc calibrated with numbers 1 to 6
  • Wavy chased or fluted scrollwork decorating the outer case and inner bezel flange

Research qualifications

  • The white enamel dial reported by the auction catalogue is not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Hallmarks are reported as indistinct in the auction description.

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

Consulted source

A French 18th century pocket watch by Lepaute, dial face marked "Lepaute" clockwork marked "Lepaute No 428 au Luxembourgs". - Bukowskis

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 1c1e9c1b51

Terms in this record

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

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