Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Dead independent seconds pocket watch

Louis Audemars 18k Yellow Gold Chronometer with Dead Independent Seconds

Partially verified

This Louis Audemars chronometer is a manual-wind, round-shaped pocket watch crafted from 18k yellow gold. Dating to 1861, the watch features a dead independent seconds complication, which is controlled by a rectangular push-piece mounted on the case band at 5 o'clock. The internal movement, designated as caliber 19'', is constructed from gilded brass and comprises 34 jewels. It incorporates a double-train of wheels and two barrels with differential gears, a design inspired by the works of Sylvain Mairet. Technical specifications include a straight-line equilibrated lever escapement, a compensated balance fitted with gold poising screws, and a blued steel hairspring with terminal curves. The piece measures 49 mm in diameter and bears the case and movement number 8633. The auction description notes that the movement is in good condition, although it recommends an overhaul. Accessories include an extract from the archives.

View of the open case back of the Louis Audemars 18k yellow gold pocket watch showing the movement, positioned with its cuvette reflecting the mechanism.
View of the open case back of the Louis Audemars 18k yellow gold pocket watch showing the movement, positioned with its cuvette reflecting the mechanism. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Dead independent seconds pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Louis Audemars
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
313
Source-reported date
1861
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
8633

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 and Dial Construction

The pocket watch is housed in an 18k yellow gold, round-shaped case. Externally, the case features a crown-winding mechanism and a specific rectangular push-piece located at the 5 o'clock position on the case band, which is utilized to activate the dead independent seconds complication.

The dial is white, featuring Roman numeral hour markers and a railroad-style minute track. The watch retains its original hands, as noted in the provided documentation. The case displays signs of wear consistent with its age, specifically being described as slightly scratched.

Evidence for this section
  • “fine, 18k yellow gold, manual wind round-shaped, pocket watch.”
  • “Dead independent seconds activated by the rectangular push-piece located on the case- band, at 5 o’clock.”
  • “Slightly scratched”

Movement and Escapement

The caliber 19'' movement is a gilded brass construction equipped with 34 jewels. Its architecture is notable for its double-train of wheels and two barrels with differential gears, a design influence attributed to the work of Sylvain Mairet active between 1850 and 1855.

The escapement is a straight-line equilibrated lever type. The regulating organs consist of a compensated balance equipped with gold poising screws and a blued steel hairspring featuring terminal curves.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 19'', 34 jewels, gilded brass, with two barrels, double-train of wheels, straight-line equilibrated lever escapement”
  • “compensated balance with gold poising screws and blued steel hairspring with terminal curves.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Documentation

The watch is identified by movement number 8633, which corresponds with the case number 8633. The maker, Louis Audemars, was a prominent Swiss horologist who transitioned from producing finished movements for major manufacturers such as Le Roy, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin to producing complete watches starting in 1848.

This specific movement is documented in the maison's archives, supported by an included extract. The manufacture of this watch is attributed to 1861, fitting within the timeline of the company’s independent production phase.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement No. 8633 Case No. 8633”
  • “In 1848 Audemars began producing complete watches.”
  • “Accessories Extract from the Archives”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival details are included in the extract regarding the original purchaser or destination?
  • How closely does the differential gear system in this movement align with the known surviving examples of Sylvain Mairet's designs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis Audemars 18k Yellow Gold Chronometer with Dead Independent Seconds
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLouis Audemars“Brand Louis Audemars, Switzerland”
Year1861“Year Made in 1861”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
Serial Number8633“Movement No. 8633 Case No. 8633”
ComplicationDead independent seconds“Dead independent seconds activated by the rectangular push-piece located on the case- band, at 5 o’clock.”
Caliber19''“Caliber 19''”
Jewel Count34“34 jewels”
Diameter49 mm“Diameter 49 mm”

Visible details

  • Rectangular push-piece for the dead seconds function at 5 o'clock
  • Gilded brass movement plate with exposed steel wheels
  • Crown-wound case design
  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals

Research qualifications

  • Movement overhaul recommended by auction house
  • Verification of the extract from the archives not provided in detail beyond summary

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

Consulted source

LOUIS AUDEMARS, SWITZERLAND, CHRONOMETER, DEAD INDEPENDENT SECONDS, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 814d3d2b51

Terms in this record

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