Pocket watch · Duplex escapement pocket watch with diablotine

Rare Diablotine Duplex Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch, dated by the seller to circa 1870, features an engraved sterling silver case reported at 55 mm in diameter. According to the seller, the watch houses a fully engraved golden brass movement equipped with a duplex escapement and diablotine complication, where a center seconds hand beats half-seconds and a subsidiary hand at 6 o'clock beats quarter-seconds. The white enamel dial is styled with black Roman numerals and openwork hands. It is wound and set via key.

Front view of the pocket watch dial showing Roman numerals, central seconds hand, and diablotine subdial at 6 o'clock — Antiquariato Cherubini Zorzella / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.proantic.com
Category: Pocket watch · Duplex escapement pocket watch with diablotine
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: 1680755
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: 1870
Country: Not established

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

Dial and Visible Display

Direct observation of the front face reveals a white enamel dial with black Roman hour markers and an outer minute track detailed with dotted subdivisions. Time is indicated by ornate openwork hands, supplemented by a long central seconds hand and an auxiliary pointer positioned within a subdial at 6 o'clock.

According to the seller, this layout corresponds to a diablotine configuration where the center hand beats half-seconds while the subsidiary hand at 6 o'clock measures quarter-seconds. The dealer describes the hands as original and characterizes the diablotine complication as displaying fractions of a second with a jumping hand.

Evidence for this section

“White enamel dial displaying black Roman hour numerals and an outer minute track with dotted subdivisions.”
“Ornate openwork hands along with a central seconds hand and a subdial pointer at the 6 o'clock position.”
“the hand in the center beats half-second and the small at hours six per quarter second.”
“White enamel dial with Roman numerals, original hands.”

Reported Movement and Complication

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided photograph, meaning mechanical specifications rely entirely on dealer statements. The seller reports that the watch is powered by a fully engraved golden brass movement fitted with a duplex escapement.

The listing notes that winding and time setting are operated by a key. Condition statements by the dealer claiming excellent condition and proper functioning are unverified promotional assertions.

Evidence for this section

“The watch is equipped with a rare Duplex escapement”
“Fabulous fully engraved golden brass movement.”
“Equipped with a key for charge and adjustment.”

Case Construction and Documentation Caveats

Visual inspection shows a silver-toned metal casing fitted with a spherical pendant, round bow, and a reeded band around the case edge. The listing text notes the material as sterling silver and describes an engraved landscape on the case, though this decorative scene is not visible in the front-facing photograph.

The listing includes a clerical discrepancy in dimensions, stating 'Diameter: 55cm' in the structured attributes while citing 'Diameter 55mm' in the description text. Maker and origin marks are not recorded in this source, and the date attribution of circa 1870 is dealer-provided.

Evidence for this section

“Silver-toned metal case with a spherical pendant, round bow, and reeded edge band.”
“Engraved silver case with landscape.”
“Material: Sterling silver”
“Diameter 55mm”
“Diameter: 55cm”

Open research questions

What specific hallmarks, maker stamps, or silver purity marks are present on the inside of the case back and cuvette?
Does inspection of the fully engraved movement reveal any maker signatures, serial numbers, or country of origin?
What specific gear train arrangement drives the jumping diablotine hand at 6 o'clock in relation to the duplex escapement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rare Diablotine Duplex Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Escapement	Duplex escapement	“The watch is equipped with a rare Duplex escapement”
Dial	White enamel with Roman numerals	“White enamel dial with Roman numerals, original hands.”
Case material	Sterling silver	“Engraved silver case with landscape.”
Movement finish	Fully engraved golden brass	“Fabulous fully engraved golden brass movement.”
Winding and setting	Key-operated	“Equipped with a key for charge and adjustment.”
Diameter	55 mm	“Diameter 55mm”
Listing period attribution	End of the 19th century, 1870	“End of the 19th century, 1870”

Visible details

White enamel dial displaying black Roman hour numerals and an outer minute track with dotted subdivisions.
Ornate openwork hands along with a central seconds hand and a subdial pointer at the 6 o'clock position.
Silver-toned metal case with a spherical pendant, round bow, and reeded edge band.

Research qualifications

Dealer listing has a clerical discrepancy specifying 'Diameter: 55cm' in specifications but 'Diameter 55mm' in description.
Movement details and landscape case engraving described by the seller are not visible in the supplied front photograph.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Rare Diablotine Duplex Pocket Watch, 1870

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b54ed90ad7

Terms in this record

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