Pocket watch · Etui watch

Pierre Simon Gounouilhou Etui Watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold octagonal etui, attributed to Geneva-based maker Pierre Simon Gounouilhou and dated circa 1815, functions as a container housing an integrated timepiece. The exterior features panels with painted enamel portraits of women within red guilloché borders, complemented by champlevé enamel in light and royal blue alongside engraved gold foliage. The hinged lid incorporates a glazed aperture for viewing the watch dial and a thumb-piece set with a rose-cut diamond. The watch mechanism, measuring 23 x 14 mm, features octagonal brass plates, a fixed going barrel, and a cylinder escapement. It is powered by a five-spoke, rose-cut diamond-set gold balance with a flat balance spring, with regulation performed via an arbor. The small white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals and blued steel pear-shaped hands, with an auxiliary aperture revealing the diamond-set balance. The etui is completed with a gold suspension chain.

The etui shown from different angles with the hinged lid closed and the watch aperture visible. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Pocket watch · Etui watch
Maker / attribution: Pierre Simon Gounouilhou
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 301
Source-reported date: circa 1815
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 Decoration and Construction

The object is an octagonal etui measuring 77 x 32 x 26 mm, constructed from 18K gold. Its primary decorative elements include finely painted oval enamel portraits on the front and back central panels, depicting young women in landscapes. These portraits are surrounded by red guilloché enamel borders adorned with flower swags.

The corners of the etui feature light-blue champlevé enamel and engraved gold foliage. The side surfaces display royal blue enamel layered over black diamond-pattern engine-turning. The hinged lid is decorated with a combination of royal blue, light-blue, and white champlevé enamel and features a thumb-piece set with a large rose-cut diamond.

Evidence for this section

“Tall, octagonal, the front and back central panel decorated with a finely painted on enamel oval portraits of young ladies”
“red guilloché enamel borders decorated with flower swags”
“the sides overlaid with royal blue enamel over black diamond pattern engine-turning”

Watch Mechanism and Dial

The interior of the etui contains apertures for winding, hand-setting, and regulation. The watch dial is white enamel with Arabic numerals and an outer minute division track, featuring a royal blue translucent enamel border with engraved floral patterns. Time is indicated by blued steel pear-shaped hands.

The watch movement features octagonal brass plates and a fixed going barrel. It utilizes a cylinder escapement and a five-spoke gold balance set with rose-cut diamonds. A flat balance spring is employed, and regulation is achieved through an arbor. A specific aperture on the dial side allows visibility of the balance.

Evidence for this section

“D. Small white enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions”
“M. 23 x 14 mm., octagonal brass plates, fixed going barrel, cylinder escapement”
“five-spoke rose-cut diamond-set gold balance, flat balance spring, regulation via an arbour.”

Attribution and History

The etui is attributed to the Geneva watchmaker Pierre-Simon Gounouilhou (1779-1847), who was born in Bergerac, France, and moved to Geneva in 1799. He became a bourgeois of the city in 1823. His work includes automaton objects, musical pieces, and conventional repeating watches.

Gounouilhou’s early career in Geneva is noted for experimental decorative techniques, including granulation. His business continued to operate under his name until 1870, decades after his death.

Evidence for this section

“Pierre-Simon Gounouilhou (1779-1847). Was born in Bergerac en Dordogne, France, in 1779”
“He began his career as a maker of automaton and musical objects and watches”
“His company name continued to be used after his death until 1870.”

Open research questions

What specific decorative purpose did the etui serve beyond housing the watch?
Are there similar signed examples by Gounouilhou that confirm the attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pierre Simon Gounouilhou Etui Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Pierre Simon Gounouilhou	“Attributed to Pierre Simon Gounouilhou, Geneva.”
Date	circa 1815	“Made circa 1815.”
Material	18K gold, enamel, diamonds	“18K gold, champlevé and painted on enamel, rose-cut diamond-set etui”
Dimensions	77 x 32 x 26 mm	“Dim. 77 x 32 x 26 mm.”
Movement size	23 x 14 mm	“M. 23 x 14 mm., octagonal brass plates”
Escapement	cylinder escapement	“cylinder escapement”
Hands	Blued steel pear	“Blued steel "pear" hands.”
Auction Condition	Overhaul recommended	“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

Painted enamel portraits of women on front and back panels
Glazed lid aperture for viewing the watch
Visible rose-cut diamond-set balance
Thumb-piece set with a rose-cut diamond

Research qualifications

Attribution to Pierre Simon Gounouilhou is not certain
The exact manufacturing date is approximated

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

Consulted source

"Beautiful Ladies" Attributed to Pierre Simon Gounouilhou, Geneva. Made circa 1815. Very fine and very rare, octagonal, 18K gold, champlevé and painted on enamel, rose-cut diamond-set etui, set with a watch with visible rose-cut diamond-set balance and a gold trefoil key.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 218c4e5a70

Terms in this record

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