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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Alarm pocket watch

Les Frères Rey Silver Pair-Cased Alarm Watch

Partially verified

This silver pair-cased watch by Les Frères Rey of Geneva, numbered 340, dates to approximately 1720. It features an oignon-style outer case with pierced decoration, paired with an inner bassine case featuring a split bezel, loose-ring pendant, and intricate pierced engraving depicting a mask and inhabited foliage. The silver champlevé dial displays Roman numerals, an Arabic minute ring, a date aperture, and an inner revolving alarm setting disc, all indicated by blued steel hands and pointers. Internally, the watch utilizes a hinged, gilt brass full-plate movement equipped with Egyptian pillars, a fusee with chain, and a verge escapement. It includes a plain polished steel three-arm balance with a flat balance spring and an English-style cock with a polished steel endpiece. The alarm mechanism functions via a bell with a fixed, engraved gilt brass barrel. The backplate bears the signature of the makers.

The watch showing the silver champlevé dial with the alarm setting disc and date aperture, housed within its silver case.
The watch showing the silver champlevé dial with the alarm setting disc and date aperture, housed within its silver case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Alarm pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Les Frères Rey
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
59
Source-reported date
circa 1720
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
340

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

Casing and Dial

The object consists of a silver pair case design. The outer case is an oignon type, featuring intricate pierced decorative work. The inner case is of the bassine variety, fitted with a split bezel and a loose-ring pendant.

The inner case surface is finished with finely pierced and engraved detailing, which includes a central mask motif surrounded by inhabited foliage. The dial is constructed of silver champlevé. It features Roman numerals for the hours and an outer Arabic numeral ring for the minutes. A central date aperture and an internal revolving disc allow for the setting and reading of the alarm function.

Evidence for this section
  • “Outer oignon, with a pierced formai decoration.”
  • “Inner bassine with split bezel and lose-ring pendant, finely pierced and engraved with a mask and inhabited foliage.”
  • “Silver champleve with Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, inner revolving alarm setting disc and date aperture.”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is a hinged, gilt brass full-plate design secured by Egyptian-style pillars. Power is supplied by a fusee and chain mechanism. The escapement is a verge type, incorporating a plain, polished steel three-arm balance and a flat balance spring.

The balance cock is executed in an English style, featuring a polished steel endpiece. The alarm function is designed to strike on a bell, driven by a fixed, engraved gilt brass barrel. The makers have signed the movement on the backplate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hinged gilt brass full plate with Egyptian pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement with plain polished steel three-arm balance”
  • “gilt brass English style cock with polished steel endpiece.”
  • “Alarm on a bel) with gilt brass engraved fixed barrel. Signed on the back plate.”

Historical Context

The makers, Les Frères Rey, were established in Geneva. Historical records indicate that the brothers were appointed as Masters and maintained a professional partnership as early as 1710.

The auction description suggests this specific timepiece represents the earliest known example of a watch bearing the signature of Les Frères Rey.

Evidence for this section
  • “They were appointed as Masters and working together as soon as 1710.”
  • “This watch certainly is the earliest one known up to now days, bearing their signature.”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival records confirm the 1710 start date for the partnership of Les Frères Rey?
  • Does internal movement marking confirm the exact date of production within the early 18th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Les Frères Rey Silver Pair-Cased Alarm Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLes Frères Rey“Les Frères Rey, Geneva”
Serial Number340“No. 340”
Datecirca 1720“circa 1720”
Movement typeHinged gilt brass full plate with Egyptian pillars“Hinged gilt brass full plate with Egyptian pillars”
Case diameter59 mm“Diam. 59 mm.”
Dial descriptionSilver champleve with Roman numerals and Arabic minutes“Silver champleve with Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring”
Provenance statusDescribed as the earliest known watch by the makers“This watch certainly is the earliest one known up to now days, bearing their signature.”

Visible details

  • Pierced pattern on the outer oignon case back
  • Date aperture located near the twelve o'clock position
  • Inner revolving disc for setting the alarm
  • Large loose-ring pendant attached to the case

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to being the earliest known watch with this signature is a claim made by the auction house.
  • The full interior movement components are not visible in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

Les Frères Rey, Geneva, No. 340, circa 1720. Fine silver pair cased watch with alarm and date.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2f3a2cf4dd

Terms in this record

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

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