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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Louis Armand 14K Gold Repeater Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Louis Armand pocket watch is a complicated Swiss-made timepiece crafted from 14K gold, featuring a quarter repeater, chronograph, calendar, and moon phase display. The watch is distinguished by its calendar indications written in Russian, indicating it was produced for the Russian market. It is accompanied by its original retailer case, which features the branding of P.A. Chuksanov, a St. Petersburg-based merchant. The watch case, measuring approximately 58.7 mm in diameter, is engraved with medals from the 1895 International Exhibition and marked with a Locle hallmark. The total weight of the watch is 144 grams, and it is sold with an associated gold chain. The piece serves as an example of a Swiss watchmaker's output at the turn of the 20th century, specifically tailored for the requirements of an international client base within the Russian Empire.

Front view of the Louis Armand pocket watch with its Russian-language dial and the accompanying retailer's box.
Front view of the Louis Armand pocket watch with its Russian-language dial and the accompanying retailer's box. — Antiqon (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Louis Armand
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
244
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1845

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

Construction and Complications

The watch features a complex mechanism designed with multiple horological complications. It includes a quarter-repeater, a chronograph, and a calendar system that tracks the date, day of the week, and month. Additionally, it incorporates a moon phase complication.

The calendar functions are presented in Russian, a feature that identifies the piece as intended for the Russian market. The dial layout includes sub-dials for the various calendar functions and a dedicated aperture for the moon phases, while the central hand assembly facilitates the chronograph and standard timekeeping functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is equipped with a complex mechanism with the functions of a quarter repeater, chronograph, calendar (with indication of the date, day of the week, month) and moon phases.”
  • “A special feature of the model is the presence of a calendar in Russian, which indicates their creation for the Russian market.”

Casing and External Markings

The watch is housed in a 14K gold case measuring 58.7 mm in diameter.

The individual serial number '1845' is engraved on the case, providing a specific identifier for the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case back is engraved with medals from the 1895 International Exhibition”
  • “The individual watch number 1845 is engraved on the case, and the Locle hallmark indicates its origin from the famous city of Locle”

Retailer and Provenance

The watch is presented in its original retailer case, which features internal markings identifying the seller as P.A. Chuksanov, based in St. Petersburg. Pyotr Arkadyevich Chuksanov was a 2nd guild merchant who operated a store in the St. Petersburg Gostiny Dvor, focusing on luxury goods including precious metals and diamond items.

The inclusion of the original branded box connects the watch to its historical destination in the Russian Empire.

Evidence for this section
  • “original case with the logo of the seller in St. Petersburg, the company P.A. Chuksanov.”
  • “Pyotr Arkadyevich Chuksanov was a 2nd guild merchant, the owner of a jewelry store located in the St. Petersburg Gostiny Dvor”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this watch?
  • How do the engraved medals specifically relate to Louis Armand's awards in 1895?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis Armand 14K Gold Repeater Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLouis Armand“Louis Armand (1853-1927) was an outstanding Swiss master watchmaker”
Material14K Gold“The watch case and chain are made of 56-carat gold (Russian metric system) and 14K.”
Serial Number1845“The individual watch number 1845 is engraved on the case”
Diameter58.7 mm“Diameter 58.7 mm”
Weight144 g“Weight: 144 g”
RetailerP.A. Chuksanov“the original case with the logo of the seller in St. Petersburg, the company P.A. Chuksanov.”
OriginLocle, Switzerland“the Locle hallmark indicates its origin from the famous city of Locle”
Exhibitions1895 International Exhibition“The case back is engraved with medals from the 1895 International Exhibition”

Visible details

  • Calendar indications on the dial are in Russian
  • The retailer's box lining bears the name P.A. Chuksanov, St. Petersburg
  • Engraved medals appear on the case back
  • Moon phase sub-dial visible at the 6 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance of the watch prior to this listing is not stated
  • The mechanical functionality of the repeater and chronograph is not explicitly verified in the text

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

Consulted source

Louis Armand 14K Gold Repeater Pocket Watch. Switzerland Circa 1900

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c2ae00f10f

Terms in this record

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

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