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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Damentaschenuhr

Marcelin Grisel & Fils Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch, identified in the auction record as a Marcelin Grisel & Fils piece, is dated to approximately 1880. Produced in Cormondrèche, the watch features an 18-karat rose gold case measuring 22 mm in diameter, designed as a vierteiliges or four-part model. The exterior is characterized by rich engravings and a rear cover adorned with polychrome enamel painting depicting a gallant scene set within a park landscape. The watch employs a small cylinder movement, which the documentation notes was manufactured by Le Coultre, featuring a rhodium-plated bridge and a cylinder escapement. A pusher mechanism is used for setting the time. The watch is presented as a singular object from the auction inventory, documented with both movement and case numbers 23731,

View of the front of the Marcelin Grisel & Fils pocket watch, showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals and Arabic minutes, and the engraved gold case.
View of the front of the Marcelin Grisel & Fils pocket watch, showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals and Arabic minutes, and the engraved gold case. — Dobiaschofsky Auktionen AG / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Damentaschenuhr
Maker / attribution
Marcelin Grisel & Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206824413
Source-reported date
circa 1880
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
23731

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 Composition

The watch is encased in an 18-karat rose gold housing that measures 22 mm in diameter. The design is described as a vierteiliges, or four-part, model, featuring mineral glass to protect the dial. The case exterior is decorated with rich engraving, and the rear cover includes a polychrome enamel scene depicting a gallant subject within a park setting.

The dial is composed of a starkly domed white enamel surface. It displays black Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes, complemented by gilt Louis XV style hands. The time-setting function is managed via a pusher located on the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vierteiliges Modell mit Mineralglas und reich graviertem Gehäuse.”
  • “Rückseitiger Deckel mit polychromer Emailmalerei einer galanten Szene in Parklandschaft”
  • “Weisses, stark gewölbtes Email-Zifferblatt mit Minuteneinteilung, schwarzen römischen Stunden- und arabischen Minutenziffern sowie vergoldeten Louis XV-Zeigern.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a small cylinder movement. The documentation attributes the manufacture of this movement to Le Coultre. The technical construction includes a rhodium-plated bridge.

The escapement type is a cylinder escapement. The arrangement relies on manual winding, with the time setting performed by a pusher mechanism rather than a crown pull-out system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Kleines Zylinderuhrwerk mit rhodinierter Brücke und Zylinderhemmung, hergestellt von Le Coultre.”
  • “Zeigerstellung mittels Drücker.”

Signatures and Identification

The object is identified as a product of Marcelin Grisel & Fils, based in Cormondrèche. The watch carries the serial number 23731, which is cited for both the case and the movement.

The documentation categorizes the item as a Damentaschenuhr, or lady's pocket watch. The current identification relies on the provided auction record, with secondary authentication recommended.

Evidence for this section
  • “Werk-Nr.: 23731. Kaliber: Handaufzug. Gehäuse-Nr.: 23731.”
  • “DAMENTASCHENUHR : Marcelin Grisel & Fils, Cormondrèche”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 23731 align with historical records for Marcelin Grisel & Fils or Le Coultre production cycles from 1880?
  • Are there other documented examples of this four-part enamel case design attributed to Marcelin Grisel & Fils?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Marcelin Grisel & Fils Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMarcelin Grisel & Fils“Marcelin Grisel & Fils, Cormondrèche”
Datecirca 1880“Jahr: Um 1880”
Material18 kt rose gold and enamel“Material: Roségold 18 kt. und Email”
Case diameter22 mm“Grösse: Ø 22 mm”
Movement serial23731“Werk-Nr.: 23731”
Dial featuresEnamel dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute numerals“Weisses, stark gewölbtes Email-Zifferblatt mit Minuteneinteilung, schwarzen römischen Stunden- und arabischen Minutenziffern”
Movement manufacturerLe Coultre“Kleines Zylinderuhrwerk mit rhodinierter Brücke und Zylinderhemmung, hergestellt von Le Coultre.”

Visible details

  • Engraved rose gold bezel surround
  • Highly domed white enamel dial
  • Louis XV style gilt hands
  • Pusher located on the case band for time setting

Research qualifications

  • Independent type authentication remains required
  • Attribution of the movement manufacturer depends entirely on the auction listing's assertion

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch, Marcelin Grisel & Fils, 1880

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 47ef3542d6

Terms in this record

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