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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Louis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C.) 14ct gold open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This open face pocket watch is attributed by the seller to Louis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C.) and dated to circa the early 20th century. According to the source listing, the piece is cased in solid 14ct yellow gold with an approximate diameter of 3.5 cm and a total weight of 34 grams. The dial is white enamel bearing the L.U.C. emblem and black Arabic numerals, despite the seller's textual mention of Roman numerals. A subsidiary seconds track is positioned at 6 o'clock. The manual-wind movement is reported by the seller to be signed L.U.C.

Front view of the 14ct gold open face pocket watch by Louis-Ulysse Chopard
Front view of the 14ct gold open face pocket watch by Louis-Ulysse Chopard — Bushells Antiques / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Louis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C.)
Reference
1611457
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. Early 20th Century
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Dial Configuration and Discrepancies

The open-face watch displays a white enamel dial featuring black Arabic numerals and a framed L.U.C. emblem set directly below the 12 o'clock marker. A recessed subsidiary seconds register is placed at the 6 o'clock position, accompanied by a gold-toned dotted minute track running around the outer perimeter.

Although the listing description records 'White enamel with black Roman numerals', direct visual inspection of the dial contradicts this text. The numeral layout clearly displays Arabic figures across the primary hour positions rather than Roman numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial displays black Arabic numerals rather than Roman numerals.”
  • “The framed L.U.C. logo is printed below the 12 o'clock numeral.”
  • “Dial: White enamel with black Roman numerals”

Case Specifications and Construction

The watch is constructed in an open-face format, reported by the seller as solid 14ct yellow gold with case hallmarks recorded as 'Stamped 14ct (confirmed)'. Dimensionally, the housing is listed with an approximate diameter of 3.5 cm, with the complete watch reported at a total weight of 34 grams.

Because interior case-back photographs are not provided in this record, the specific assay marks, internal stamps, and case serial numbers are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Material: Solid 14ct Yellow Gold”
  • “Hallmarks: Stamped 14ct (confirmed)”
  • “Approximate Dimensions: 3.5 cm (diameter)”
  • “Total Weight: 34 grams”

Movement and Attribution Limits

The listing documents a manual-wind movement and attributes manufacture to Louis-Ulysse Chopard in Switzerland, noting that 'The movement is signed L.U.C. , confirming its heritage.' The seller assigns an approximate dating of 'c. Early 20th Century'.

No imagery of the uncased movement or caliber layout is included in the record. The listing's mechanical claim of 'Movement: Manual Wind (fully functional)' and attribution to the early 20th century rely entirely on seller reporting rather than verifiable internal inspection in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is signed L.U.C. , confirming its heritage.”
  • “Movement: Manual Wind (fully functional)”
  • “c. Early 20th Century”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber or ebauche design is used in the movement, and how is the L.U.C. signature executed across the bridges?
  • What official Swiss hallmarks, purity stamps, or casemaker symbols are struck inside the case back?
  • Does the movement or case bear a specific serial number that permits more precise chronological dating beyond the broad 'c. Early 20th Century' attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C.) 14ct gold open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLouis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C.)“Maker: Louis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C.)”
OriginSwitzerland“Origin: Switzerland”
Case MaterialSolid 14ct Yellow Gold“Case Material: Solid 14ct Yellow Gold”
MovementManual Wind“Movement: Manual Wind (fully functional)”
Diameter3.5 cm“Approximate Dimensions: 3.5 cm (diameter)”
Total Weight34 grams“Total Weight: 34 grams”
Case HallmarksStamped 14ct (confirmed)“Hallmarks: Stamped 14ct (confirmed)”
Dial Material ReportedWhite enamel“Dial: White enamel with black Roman numerals”

Visible details

  • The dial displays black Arabic numerals rather than Roman numerals.
  • A recessed subsidiary seconds register is situated at the 6 o'clock position.
  • The framed L.U.C. logo is printed below the 12 o'clock numeral.
  • Gold-toned dotted minute track surrounds the dial perimeter with five-minute markers.

Research qualifications

  • The seller description erroneously mentions 'black Roman numerals' despite the dial clearly displaying Arabic numerals.
  • The movement and internal case hallmarks are not visible in the supplied photograph; maker signatures and metal purity rely on seller description.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Antique 14ct Gold Louis-ulysse Chopard L.u.c. Open Face Pock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5429acd755

Terms in this record

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

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