Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Louis Audemars Royal Presentation Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This hunting-cased, keyless pocket watch, numbered 13350, was manufactured by Louis Audemars of Brassus and Geneva, circa 1890. It was created for Umberto I, King of Italy, and retailed by C. Morel Jeune in Marseille. The watch features an 18K gold case in the "bassine et filets" style, measuring 52 mm in diameter, with a faceted band and a hinged gold cuvette. The front cover is decorated with the champlevé enameled and diamond-set coat of arms of Umberto I. The white enamel dial displays radial Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register, paired with blued steel "spade" hands. The 19-ligne gilt brass movement is equipped with 25 jewels, a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. It includes a repeating mechanism activated by a slide in the case band.

Obverse showing the diamond-set coat of arms on the hunting cover, and reverse showing the open dial with blued steel hands.
Obverse showing the diamond-set coat of arms on the hunting cover, and reverse showing the open dial with blued steel hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Louis Audemars
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
486
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
13350

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 watch features a four-body case constructed of 18K gold, finished in a 'bassine et filets' style. The exterior is notable for its polished surfaces and faceted band. The hinged and sprung front cover serves as a decorative focal point, featuring the coat of arms of Umberto I, King of Italy, rendered in champlevé enamel and accented with inset diamonds.

The white enamel dial is designed for legibility, featuring radial Arabic numerals and an outer track for minutes. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the base of the dial. Time is indicated by blued steel spade-shaped hands. A hinged gold cuvette protects the internal movement components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body, "bassine et filets", polished, the hinged and sprung front cover with the champlevé enameled diamond-set coat of arms of Umberto I, King of Italy, faceted band.”
  • “White enamel with radial Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands.”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The movement is a 19-ligne gilt brass caliber incorporating 25 jewels. Its timekeeping regulation is managed by an index regulator and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The oscillation is controlled by a cut bimetallic compensation balance.

The watch is equipped with a minute-repeating complication, which provides an acoustic time signal. The mechanism is activated by a slide located within the case band, which triggers the repeating function on the internal gongs.

Evidence for this section
  • “19"', gilt brass, 25 jewels, counterpoised straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a slide in the band.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is identified as a royal presentation piece attributed to King Umberto I of Italy. The source notes that the movement and case are signed, with the retailer's name appearing on the cuvette.

The auction description reports an assessment of the watch's condition, noting an excellent grade for the dial, though the movement is identified as requiring an overhaul to maintain functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “Such watches were usually bought by sovereigns in order to be presented to important visitors or in recognition of loyalty.”
  • “Movement and case signed, cuvette signed by the retailer.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • Are there archival records at C. Morel Jeune or Louis Audemars that confirm the specific date of this watch's purchase for the Italian Royal Court?
  • Does the coat of arms enamel show signs of specific repair or restoration given the age of the piece?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis Audemars Royal Presentation Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLouis Audemars“Louis Audemars, Brassus & Geneve”
RetailerC. Morel Jeune“retailed by C. Morel Jeune, 65, Rue de Rome, à Marseille”
Serial Number13350“No. 13350”
Case Material18K gold“18K gold and enamel”
Movement Calibre19-ligne“19"', gilt brass”
EscapementCounterpoised straight line lever“counterpoised straight line lever escapement”
Jewel Count25“25 jewels”
Dimensions52 mm“Diam. 52 mm”

Visible details

  • Front cover displays the royal coat of arms with champlevé enamel and set diamonds.
  • The dial features a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock.
  • A repeating slide is visible on the side of the case band.
  • The watch is a hunting case design with a hinged cover.

Research qualifications

  • The auction house suggests the watch was made for presentation by the King, but specific presentation records are not cited.
  • The mechanical condition is currently graded as 'Good' with an explicit overhaul recommended.

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

Consulted source

'King Umberto I of Italy Presentation Watch' Louis Audemars, Brassus & Geneve, No. 13350. Made for Umberto I, King of Italy, retailed by C. Morel Jeune, 65, Rue de Rome, à Marseille, circa 1890. Very fine and rare, 18K gold and enamel, diamond set, minute-repeating, hunting cased, keyless Royal presentation pocket watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c5cbd9ab9a

Terms in this record

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

Other minute repeating pocket watch records