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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch

Rigaud gilt key wind open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This open face consular pocket watch, signed by Rigaud of Geneva and dated to circa 1790, features a circular white dial decorated with a central pastoral scene. The dial displays black Arabic numerals, gilt hands, and a winding aperture located near the 2 o'clock position. Encased in gilt metal with a diameter of approximately 45 mm, the bezel is set with decorative stones, and the case reverse is engraved. Internally, the watch is powered by a gilt full plate fusee verge movement equipped with a pierced and engraved balance bridge and silver regulation.

Oblique front view showing dial with pastoral scene, hands, and stone-set bezel
Oblique front view showing dial with pastoral scene, hands, and stone-set bezel — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Rigaud
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
12
Source-reported date
circa 1790
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
54509

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 Presentation and Signatures

The circular white dial features black Arabic numerals, gilt hands, and a key-winding aperture positioned near the 2 o'clock mark. The center of the dial is decorated with an applied pastoral scene depicting a figure in a red dress carrying a basket.

Signatures visible on the dial face include 'Pre Rigaud' below the 12 o'clock position and 'A GENEVE' within a cartouche situated above the 6 o'clock numeral.

Evidence for this section
  • “circular white dial applied with a pastoral scene to centre”
  • “winding aperture at 2”
  • “Signed 'Pre Rigaud' below 12 and 'A GENEVE' in a cartouche above 6 on the dial.”
  • “A painted pastoral scene shows a figure in a red dress carrying a basket.”

Case Form and Decorative Work

The open face case has an approximate diameter of 45 mm and is described as polished consular gilt metal. The bezel is set with a continuous row of clear stones, identified as decorative paste or crystal in visual examination.

The cataloguer notes that the reverse of the case is engraved and bears the number 54509. Direct visual confirmation of the case back is not possible because only an oblique frontal photograph is provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “diameter approximately 45mm”
  • “the case polished consular, engraved reverse, stone set bezel, numbered '54509'”
  • “The bezel rim is decorated with a continuous row of clear paste or crystal stones.”

Source-Reported Movement and Dating

According to the auction record, the internal movement is a gilt full plate fusee verge mechanism featuring a pierced and engraved balance bridge and silver regulation. The movement itself is also reported to be signed.

The watch is catalogued under Rigaud, Geneva, with an approximate date of circa 1790. Because the movement is fully encased and unpictured, these mechanical and date specifications stem entirely from the auction cataloguing rather than independent observation.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt full plate fusee verge, pierced and engraved balance bridge, silver regulation”
  • “dial and movement signed”
  • “Rigaud, Geneva, circa 1790”

Open research questions

  • What specific mineral or glass composition makes up the bezel stones?
  • What specific decorative motif or inscriptions are present on the engraved reverse of the case?
  • What is the exact signature and layout engraved on the verge movement plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rigaud gilt key wind open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement typeGilt full plate fusee verge“gilt full plate fusee verge”
Case diameterApproximately 45mm“diameter approximately 45mm”
Case number54509“numbered '54509'”
Dial decorationPastoral scene to centre“circular white dial applied with a pastoral scene to centre”
Bezel designStone set bezel“stone set bezel”
Winding apertureAt 2 o'clock“winding aperture at 2”
Case constructionPolished consular“the case polished consular”
Case decorationEngraved reverse“engraved reverse”
Movement signatureSigned“dial and movement signed”

Visible details

  • A painted pastoral scene shows a figure in a red dress carrying a basket.
  • A winding hole is visible through the enamel dial near the 2 o'clock numeral.
  • The bezel rim is decorated with a continuous row of clear paste or crystal stones.
  • Signed 'Pre Rigaud' below 12 and 'A GENEVE' in a cartouche above 6 on the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and reverse of the case are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • The specific identity of the bezel stones is not confirmed beyond being described as stone set.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : A gilt key wind open face pocket watch, Rigaud, Geneva, circa 1790

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record bf33ac21ef

Terms in this record

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

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