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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case repeating pocket watch

Presentation Pocket Watch “Repetition & Chronograph”, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria

Partially verified

This gold hunter-cased presentation pocket watch, dated by Dorotheum to circa 1900, is associated with Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The exterior of the hunter case is decorated with engine turning and an engraved imperial crown above the monogram 'FJI'. The auction catalog notes an internal engraved motto reading 'Not ruler, but father I wish to be to you / Franz Joseph I Emperor of Austria.' The movement is described as an inscribed 'St. Jean Geneve' lever mechanism with repeating function, paired with an enamel dial and gold hands. Case diameter measures 5.8 cm with a gross weight of 130 g.

Front view of closed gold hunter case showing engine-turned engraving, bow, crown, and Imperial monogram FJI
Front view of closed gold hunter case showing engine-turned engraving, bow, crown, and Imperial monogram FJI — Dorotheum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorotheum.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
St. Jean Geneve
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
10140145
Source-reported date
c. 1900
Country
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 Form and External Presentation

The pocket watch is described in the auction catalog as a gold hunter case measuring 5.8 cm in diameter, with a recorded gross weight of 130 g. Direct observation of the closed case front shows an engine-turned pattern surrounding a central cartouche engraved with an Imperial crown over the intertwined monogram 'FJI'.

The pendant is situated at 12 o'clock, bearing a fluted winding crown and a round bow. A push-piece is visible on the upper left case band in the catalog photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold, hunter case with engraved Imperial monogram “FJI” with Imperial Crown”
  • “diameter 5.8 cm, gross weight 130 g”
  • “Closed yellow or rose gold hunter case featuring engine-turned patterning.”
  • “A central cartouche is engraved with an Imperial crown over the intertwined monogram 'FJI'.”
  • “A fluted winding crown and round bow are set at 12 o'clock, with a push-piece visible on the upper left case band.”

Inscriptions and Internal Indications

The catalog records an interior engraved motto reading: “Not ruler, but father I wish to be to you / Franz Joseph I Emperor of Austria.” The source text does not state the exact placement of this engraving within the case.

The movement is noted by the auction house as being inscribed “St. Jean Geneve”.

Evidence for this section
  • “interior engraved motto: “Not ruler, but father I wish to be to you / Franz Joseph I Emperor of Austria.””
  • “inscribed: “St. Jean Geneve””

Movement, Dial, and Catalog Details

The lot description reports an enamel dial with subsidiary seconds and gold hands. The movement is characterized as a lever movement with a repeating mechanism, accompanied by the cataloguer note: '(no guarantee for continuous functioning)'. While the lot title includes “Repetition & Chronograph”, chronograph details are not further specified in the text description.

The auction catalog dates the watch to circa 1900. Neither the dial, hands, nor the movement mechanism are depicted in the single closed-case photograph provided in the record, and specific hallmarks or caliber references are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “enamel dial with subsidiary seconds, gold hands”
  • “lever movement with repeating mechanism (no guarantee for continuous functioning)”
  • “Presentation Pocket Watch “Repetition & Chronograph””
  • “c. 1900”

Open research questions

  • Where is the motto engraved inside the case (e.g., inner lid or dedicated cuvette), and what is the exact language of the original inscription?
  • What are the specific technical parameters of the movement and chronograph mechanism referenced in the lot title?
  • What purity hallmarks, maker's marks, or serial numbers are present on the case or movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Presentation Pocket Watch “Repetition & Chronograph”, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case decorationHunter case with engraved Imperial monogram “FJI” with Imperial Crown“hunter case with engraved Imperial monogram “FJI” with Imperial Crown”
Interior engravingInterior engraved motto: “Not ruler, but father I wish to be to you / Franz Joseph I Emperor of Austria.”“interior engraved motto: “Not ruler, but father I wish to be to you / Franz Joseph I Emperor of Austria.””
Dial and handsEnamel dial with subsidiary seconds, gold hands“enamel dial with subsidiary seconds, gold hands”
Movement and inscriptionLever movement with repeating mechanism, inscribed “St. Jean Geneve”“lever movement with repeating mechanism (no guarantee for continuous functioning), inscribed: “St. Jean Geneve””
Dimensions and weightDiameter 5.8 cm, gross weight 130 g“diameter 5.8 cm, gross weight 130 g”
Datingc. 1900“c. 1900”
Realized priceEUR 10.400“Realized price: ** EUR 10.400,-”

Visible details

  • Closed yellow or rose gold hunter case featuring engine-turned patterning.
  • A central cartouche is engraved with an Imperial crown over the intertwined monogram 'FJI'.
  • A fluted winding crown and round bow are set at 12 o'clock, with a push-piece visible on the upper left case band.

Research qualifications

  • The dial, hands, inner cuvette inscription, and movement are not visible in the primary catalog photo.
  • The auction house states 'no guarantee for continuous functioning'.

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

Consulted source

Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria - Presentation Pocket Watch “Repetition & Chronograph”, - Imperial Court Memorabilia & Historical Objects 2026/06/09 - Realized price: EUR 10.400 - Dorotheum

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5eea9952ac

Terms in this record

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