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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Precision Watch with a Chronometer, Repeating Mechanism, and Chiming Mechanism

Partially verified

This gold precision pocket watch, catalogued as BK-1969-17, is attributed to the horologist Gédéon Ducommun, with manufacturing details dating to 11 April 1884. The timepiece combines multiple complex functions, including a chronometer mechanism and a minute-repeating chiming device. The white dial features a subsidiary seconds dial and a center-sweep chronometer hand, signed 'G. Ducommun, Amsterdam'. The exterior case back is decorated with an embossed monogram, identified as 'HvB' on a hatched ground. The watch is constructed from gold, with interior components marked with Swiss control marks, including a woman's head hallmark denoting 18-karat gold quality. It operates on a 25-jewel movement. The provenance of the object traces back to the bequest of A.H.C.L. Hartog van Banda to the Rijksmuseum in 1969.

Front view of the gold pocket watch showing the dial, chronometer hand, and subsidiary seconds.
Front view of the gold pocket watch showing the dial, chronometer hand, and subsidiary seconds. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Gédéon Ducommun
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-1969-17
Source-reported date
circa 1884
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3350

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

Construction and Case Features

The watch is housed in a gold case. The exterior of the rear cover features a monogram, 'HvB', executed in relief on a hatched background. The casing bears several hallmarks, specifically a woman's head with the letter 'G', which are present on the inner cover, the edge, and beneath the winding crown.

The dial is white, featuring Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an additional hand for the chronometer function. The construction is specified as a 'precision watch', indicating the complexity of its mechanical movement, which includes both a chronograph and a repeating mechanism. The piece is designed as a gentleman's watch, consistent with the aesthetic and technical requirements of the period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gouden herenhorloge, tevens chronometer en voorzien van een speelwerk”
  • “Op de buitenzijde van de achterbodem is op een gearceerde grond in reliëf het monogram HvB aangebracht.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The movement is a 25-jewel caliber designed to support a minute repeater and a chronometer function. The technical capacity of the watch includes a minute-repeating mechanism, which serves as an audible timekeeping indicator. The watch is signed as originating from Neuchâtel, Switzerland, while being retailed through the firm of Gédéon Ducommun in Amsterdam.

The movement and assembly are marked with the serial number 3350. The inner cover contains an inscription confirming the functional attributes of the watch, specifically identifying the piece as a 'Chronomètre' equipped with a minute repeater and a 25-jewel movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “inscriptie, buitenzijde binnenbodem: ‘Chronomètre, Repetition à minutes, 25 rubis’”
  • “uurwerkmaker: Ducommun, Neuchâtel”
  • “merk, achterbodem: ‘3350’”

Provenance and Documentation

The object entered the Rijksmuseum collection in 1969 via the bequest of A.H.C.L. Hartog van Banda, based in Amsterdam. The documentation provided by the institution confirms the object's history and classification as a piece of jewelry, chronometer, and pocket watch.

The manufacturing details are explicitly linked to the date 11 April 1884, as inscribed on the inner case cover. The records maintained by the museum categorize this object under the identification number BK-1969-17, serving as the primary institutional reference for this specific timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Legaat van A.H.C.L. Hartog van Banda, Amsterdam”
  • “signatuur en datum, buitenzijde binnenbodem: ‘Ducommun, Neuchâtel (Suisse) 11 Avril 1884’”
  • “Objectnummer BK-1969-17”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the 'speelwerk' mechanism referred to in the archival description?
  • Can the 'vrouwenkop met G' hallmark be linked to a specific Swiss manufacturer or workshop active in 1884?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Precision Watch with a Chronometer, Repeating Mechanism, and Chiming Mechanism
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDucommun, Firma Gédéon, Amsterdam; Ducommun, Neuchâtel“Ducommun, Firma Gédéon, Amsterdam”
Datecirca 1884“ca. 1884”
Movement jewels25 rubis“25 rubis”
InscriptionDucommun, Neuchâtel (Suisse) 11 Avril 1884“Ducommun, Neuchâtel (Suisse) 11 Avril 1884”
Dial signatureG. Ducommun, Amsterdam“G. Ducommun, Amsterdam”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Center-sweep chronometer hand and subsidiary seconds
  • Gold casing with embossed monogram HvB on the rear
  • Minute repeater slide located on the side of the case

Research qualifications

  • The specific role of the 'G 3350' mark in identifying the goldsmith is not further detailed
  • The precise technical configuration of the 'speelwerk' (musical or chiming component) remains unverified beyond the description

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

Consulted source

Precision Watch with a Chronometer, Repeating Mechanism, and Chiming Mechanism

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2c4b3f4e07

Terms in this record

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

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