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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating hunting case pocket watch

Pavel Buhre quarter-repeating gold hunting case pocket watch presented to N.G. Seversky

Partially verified

This 14 karat rose gold hunting case pocket watch is attributed by the source to Pavel Buhre in Le Locle, Switzerland, dating to circa 1900. Measuring 54 mm in diameter, the front lid features an applied yellow gold Russian Imperial eagle detailed with blue enamel ribbons. According to the auction catalog, the interior front lid bears an engraved presentation to artist N. G. Seversky dated July 14, 1901, and the cuvette names Pavel Buhre as supplier to the imperial court. The watch is powered by a 27-jewel Côtes de Genève decorated nickel bar movement with quarter repetition.

Front lid of the Pavel Buhre rose gold hunting case pocket watch with applied Russian Imperial eagle
Front lid of the Pavel Buhre rose gold hunting case pocket watch with applied Russian Imperial eagle — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating hunting case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Pavel Buhre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
415
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
52121

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 Construction and Aesthetics

The timepiece is housed in a 54mm 14-karat rose gold hunting case. The front lid features an applied yellow gold Russian Imperial eagle holding a sceptre and orb, with blue enamel inlay on the ribbons above the crowns. The rear of the case is reported to feature an applied yellow gold cipher with a crown.

The case features a top-mounted fluted crown, a pendant bow, and a repetition slide on the band. Auction condition reports note two small dents on the band between the hinges, dings, surface scratches on the interior and exterior, wear to the crown, and a missing top surface on the pusher shell.

Evidence for this section
  • “14 karat rose gold hunting case”
  • “the cover with applied yellow gold Russian Imperial eagle with blue enamel”
  • “the back with applied yellow gold cipher with crown”
  • “Two small dents, band, between hinges; Dings; Very fine scratches on outer surface of case; Very fine scratches on inner surface of case; Very small loss to blue enamel; Crown with wear; Lacking top surface of pusher shell”

Movement and Complication

The watch is powered by a 27-jewel movement described as a Côtes de Genève decorated nickel bar movement with lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, and wolf-tooth winding. The movement is stem-wound and lever-set.

Regarding condition, the movement is reported in running order. The complication is noted to function properly but produces a 'low gong with dull tone.' Additional reported issues include fine scratches, pin pricks, and specks of dirt on the plates.

Evidence for this section
  • “27 jewel, stem wind and lever set, cotes de Geneve decorated nickel bar movement with lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance and wolf tooth winding”
  • “Low gong with dull tone.”
  • “Very fine scratches on plate; Pin pricks; Specks of dirt.”

Provenance and Inscriptions

The cuvette is reported to be engraved: 'Pavel Buhre supplier to the court of his Majesty No 52121,' identifying the maker as Pavel Buhre of Le Locle. The interior front lid bears an engraved presentation: 'Highest Presentation to the artist N. G. Seversky for the theatrical play July 14, 1901.'

The catalog notes that Nikolai G. Seversky was a performer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The serial number for the watch is recorded as 52121.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pavel Buhre, Le Locle”
  • “the interior of the front cover engraved "Highest Presentation to the artist N. G. Seversky for the theatrical play July 14, 1901"”
  • “the cuvette engraved "Pavel Buhre supplier to the court of his Majesty No 52121"”
  • “serial #52121”

Open research questions

  • Do internal manufacturer records for Pavel Buhre serial number 52121 correspond to the presentation details?
  • Are there archival records confirming the specific theatrical event referenced in the July 14, 1901, inscription?
  • Does the current physical state of the pusher shell and enamel allow for verified restoration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pavel Buhre quarter-repeating gold hunting case pocket watch presented to N.G. Seversky
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and LocationPavel Buhre, Le Locle“Pavel Buhre, Le Locle, a good quarter repeating gold pocket watch”
Movement Jewels and Finishing27 jewels, Côtes de Genève decorated nickel bar movement“27 jewel, stem wind and lever set, cotes de Geneve decorated nickel bar movement”
Case Material and Decoration14 karat rose gold with applied yellow gold Imperial eagle and blue enamel“in a 14 karat rose gold hunting case, the cover with applied yellow gold Russian Imperial eagle with blue enamel”
Case InscriptionPresentation to N. G. Seversky dated July 14, 1901“the interior of the front cover engraved "Highest Presentation to the artist N. G. Seversky for the theatrical play July 14, 1901"”
Serial Number52121“serial #52121”
Dimensions54mm diameter, 136.9g total weight“54mm, 136.9g TW”
Total Weight136.9 grams“136.9g TW”
Dial DescriptionRoman numeral, single sunk, white enamel dial with gold whip and spade hands“roman numeral single sunk white enamel dial with gold whip and spade hands”

Visible details

  • Front cover displays a detailed applied double-headed Russian Imperial eagle holding a sceptre and orb.
  • Ribbons above the eagle's crowns feature blue enamel inlay.
  • Smooth rose gold hunting case finish with top-mounted fluted crown, bow, and repetition slide on the band.

Research qualifications

  • Dial, movement, cuvette inscription, and rear cover cipher are reported by the source catalog but are not visible in the provided primary photograph.
  • Condition notes from the auction catalog report small dings, fine surface scratches, slight loss to the blue enamel, crown wear, and a missing top surface on the pusher shell.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: A good quarter repeating pocket watch presented to N.G. Seversky by Czar Nicholas II

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 56375bb59d

Terms in this record

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