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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lépine pocket watch

Marchand & Sandoz Lépine Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Lépine-style open-face pocket watch, attributed to the manufacturer Marchand & Sandoz of La Chaux-de-Fonds, dates to circa 1900. Housed in an 18-karat rose gold case measuring 52 mm in diameter, the watch features a white enamel dial with black Arabic hour and minute numerals, complemented by gilded Louis XVI-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The movement is a gold-plated bridge-type mechanism featuring an anchor escapement with a counterweight, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a Breguet overcoil hairspring. Winding wheels exhibit wolf's-tooth gearing, and the time is set via a dedicated pusher integrated into the side of the case. The exterior of the case back is finished with an engraved emblem. This timepiece is accompanied by its original box as noted in the auction description.

Front view of the Marchand & Sandoz 18k rose gold open-face pocket watch, circa 1900.
Front view of the Marchand & Sandoz 18k rose gold open-face pocket watch, circa 1900. — Dobiaschofsky Auktionen AG / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Lépine pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Marchand & Sandoz
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206824400
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
15079

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 as a four-piece model with a 52 mm diameter case crafted from 18-karat rose gold. The exterior of the case back features an engraved emblem, contributing to its decorative finish. A clear cover, identified as plexiglas, protects the dial face.

The white enamel dial is marked with both hour and minute indices in black Arabic numerals. It includes a recessed subsidiary seconds display positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. Time indication is achieved through gilded hands executed in the Louis XVI style, which contrast with the white dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material: Roségold 18 kt.”
  • “Vierteiliges Modell mit Plexiglas und Kleiner Sekunde (bei 6-Uhr).”
  • “Weisses Email-Zifferblatt mit Minuten-Einteilung, schwarzen arabischen Stundenziffern und Minutenziffern sowie vergoldeten Louis XVI-Zeigern.”

Movement and Technical Features

The movement is a gold-plated, bridge-style calibre. The mechanism incorporates an anchor escapement complete with a counterweight and features a cut bimetallic screw-type compensation balance paired with a Breguet overcoil hairspring to regulate the timekeeping.

Operational features of the movement include winding wheels fitted with wolf-tooth gearing. Time setting is not performed via the crown, but rather by pressing a dedicated pusher located on the side of the watch case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vergoldetes Brückenuhrwerk und Anker mit Gegengewicht.”
  • “Geschnittene Bimetall-Schraubenunruhe und Breguetspirale, Aufzugsräder mit Wolfsverzahnung.”
  • “Zeigerstellung mittels Drücker am Gehäuse.”

Identification and Provenance

The watch is manufactured by Marchand & Sandoz of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, with an estimated production date around 1900. The case bears the serial number 15079. The watch is accompanied by an original storage box.

While the auction house identifies the maker and provides a date estimate, they state that the wider classification of this type remains subject to research requirements. Documentation for this object is based on the auction record provided by Dobiaschofsky Auktionen AG.

Evidence for this section
  • “Marchand & Sandoz, La Chaux-de-Fonds, um 1900”
  • “Gehäuse-Nr.: 15079.”
  • “Zubehör: Originalbox.”
  • “Attribution and measurements describe the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific calibre designation for this bridge-style movement?
  • Does the emblem engraved on the case back correspond to a known retailer or previous owner?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Marchand & Sandoz Lépine Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMarchand & Sandoz“Manufaktur: Marchand & Sandoz”
Case Material18-karat rose gold“Material: Roségold 18 kt”
Case Diameter52 mm“Grösse: Ø 52 mm”
Case Serial Number15079“Gehäuse-Nr.: 15079”
EscapementAnchor with counterweight“Anker mit Gegengewicht”
BalanceCut bimetallic compensation balance“Geschnittene Bimetall-Schraubenunruhe”
Winding systemWolf-tooth gearing“Aufzugsräder mit Wolfsverzahnung”
Setting mechanismSide pusher“Zeigerstellung mittels Drücker am Gehäuse”

Visible details

  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
  • Gilded Louis XVI style hands
  • Pusher located on the case band for hand setting
  • White enamel dial with printed Arabic numerals

Research qualifications

  • Independent verification of the maker and manufacturing date remains required
  • The internal condition and status of the movement serial number are not detailed

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch, Marchand & Sandoz, La Chaux-de-Fonds, 1900

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 356102bb9f

Terms in this record

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

Other lépine pocket watch records