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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Musical pocket watch

Reuge Mouvement Musical Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This object is a manual wind keyless pocket watch featuring a built-in music box mechanism, attributed to Reuge of Switzerland. Produced between circa 1980 and 1990, the watch is housed in a gold-plated case with a thickness of 10 microns and a diameter of 53 mm. The dial displays Roman numerals and includes an aperture at the center that reveals the working components of the musical movement. The ensemble is provided with an accompanying chain. The auction description notes the movement is in good condition, although it recommends an overhaul for future operation. The timepiece is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

Gold-plated Reuge 'Mouvement Musical' pocket watch with chain, showing the dial aperture and musical mechanism.
Gold-plated Reuge 'Mouvement Musical' pocket watch with chain, showing the dial aperture and musical mechanism. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Musical pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charles Reuge
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
113
Source-reported date
Circa 1980-1990
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
432

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 and Dial

The pocket watch is presented in a gold-plated case, which is reported to have a plating thickness of 10 microns. The case measures 53 mm in diameter and is designed as a keyless, manual wind model. An accompanying chain is included with the lot.

The dial features a textured finish with applied Roman numeral hour markers. A central aperture is cut into the dial, allowing a direct view of the musical movement's pins and gear train. The hands are of a simple, dark finish, providing contrast against the pale dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “10 microns gold plated, manual wind keyless pocket watch with visible built-in music box.”
  • “Diameter 53 mm.”

Musical Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by a caliber featuring a 17-jewel lever escapement. The auction documentation attributes this caliber to Pontifa S.A., a company located in Les Ponts-de-Martel. The mechanism is integrated with a music box function that is visible through the dial opening.

The auction house reports the movement to be in very good condition according to their grading system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 11’’’, 17 jewels, lever escapement (by Pontifa S.A., Les Ponts-de-Martel)”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “For timepieces, we guarantee neither the functioning nor the precision of the movement, nor the water-resistance of the case.”

Signatures and Attribution

The watch is identified by the brand Reuge and bears the model designation 'mouvement musical'. Authenticating marks and signatures are confirmed on the dial, the case, and the movement itself.

It is attributed to the period of circa 1980-1990, placing it in the latter part of the twentieth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brand Reuge, Switzerland”
  • “Model ''mouvement musical''”
  • “Signature Dial, case and movement”
  • “Case No. 432”

Open research questions

  • What specific music melody is this movement programmed to play?
  • Are there additional Reuge model numbers associated with this specific Pontifa caliber configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Reuge Mouvement Musical Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerReuge“Reuge, Switzerland”
Case plating10 microns gold plated“10 microns gold plated”
Caliber17 jewels, lever escapement“17 jewels, lever escapement (by Pontifa S.A., Les Ponts-de-Martel)”
DateCirca 1980-1990“Circa 1980-1990”

Visible details

  • Dial features a central circular aperture exposing music box pins
  • Case includes a 10-micron gold plating
  • Watch is accompanied by a matching chain

Research qualifications

  • Movement overhaul recommended by auction house
  • Functioning of movement not guaranteed by auction house

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

Consulted source

REUGE, SWITZERLAND, ''MOUVEMENT MUSICAL'', GOLD PLATED

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6d8bcf1f63

Terms in this record

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

Other musical pocket watch records