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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Maar Bier Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold keyless pocket watch is a minute-repeating chronograph produced by Maar Bier, attributed to Swiss manufacture circa 1900. The watch is defined by its substantial 63 mm diameter and is housed in a four-body bassine case featuring engraved coats of arms on both the front and back covers. The movement is a 23 ligne caliber, featuring frosted gilt finish, 23 jewels, a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement, and a bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The watch provides minute repetition via gongs activated by a slide located on the band. The white enamel dial is equipped with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, a concentric fifths of a second track calibrated to 300 units, and gold Louis XV hands. The watch is accompanied by a fitted rosewood storage box. Technical details are inscribed on the internal hinged gold cuvette.

View of the Maar Bier pocket watch, showcasing the white enamel dial and the engraved coat of arms on the case back.
View of the Maar Bier pocket watch, showcasing the white enamel dial and the engraved coat of arms on the case back. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Maar Bier
Reference
Patent No. 217679
Catalogue / lot identifier
63
Source-reported date
circa 1900
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

Case and Dial

The timepiece is constructed with an 18K gold, four-body, massive bassine-style case measuring 63 mm in diameter. The exterior is heavily decorated, with the front and back covers both featuring deeply engraved coats of arms. Access to the movement is provided through a hinged gold cuvette, which is engine-turned at the border and carries an inscription of the watch's technical specifications. A glazed gold-rimmed inner cover allows for viewing of the movement.

The white enamel dial features a traditional layout with radial Roman numerals for the hours. The perimeter of the dial includes an outer minute track alongside a concentric scale measuring fifths of a second, which is calibrated to 300 units for chronograph utility. The subsidiary seconds dial sits at the bottom, and the time is indicated by gold Louis XV hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, massive, ?bassine?, the front cover applied with an engraved coat of arms”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette with engine-turned border and inscribed with the technical details”
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and concentric fifths of a second track calibrated to 300 units”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The movement is a 23-ligne caliber finished in frosted gilt. It incorporates blued steel chronograph work and decoration. The watch features a counterpoised straight-line lever escapement, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring, with regulation controlled by an index regulator.

The minute-repeating function is operated by a slide located on the side of the case band. When activated, the mechanism utilizes blued steel hammers to strike on gongs integrated into the watch. The movement uses 23 jewels.

Evidence for this section
  • “23???, frosted gilt with blued steel chronograph work and decoration”
  • “repeating on gongs with blued steel hammers activated by a slide on the band”

Condition and Attribution

The watch is attributed to Maar Bier of Swiss origin, dating to approximately 1900. The hands are original to the watch.

The object is sold with a fitted rosewood box. The cuvette is signed by the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Swiss. Made circa 1900.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Cuvette signed.”

Open research questions

  • To whom do the specific coats of arms engraved on the case covers belong?
  • Does the patent number 217679 explicitly reference a specific chronograph or repeating mechanism design by Maar Bier?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Maar Bier Minute-Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMaar Bier“Maar Bier”
Patent Number217679“Patent No. 217679”
Case Material18K Gold“18K gold keyless pocket watch”
Case Diameter63 mm“Diam. 63 mm”
Jewel Count23“23 jewels”
Case TypeFour-body bassine“Four-body, massive, ?bassine?”
Included AccessoryFitted rosewood box“Accompanied by a fitted rosewood box”

Visible details

  • Engraved coat of arms on the external case cover.
  • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds at the six o'clock position.
  • Louis XV style hands.
  • Slide mechanism on the case band for repeating function.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description recommends an overhaul for the movement.
  • The identity of the coat of arms depicted is not specified.

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

Consulted source

'Giant Minute-Repeating Chronograph' Maar Bier, Patent No. 217679, Swiss. Made circa 1900. Fine and rare, very large, minute repeating, 18K gold keyless pocket watch with chronograph. Accompanied by a fitted rosewood box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 66fa22c5ab

Terms in this record

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

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