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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face repeating pocket watch

Roux, Bordier, Roman & Cie. gold and enamel openface repeating pocket watch

Partially verified

This early 19th-century Geneva openface repeating pocket watch is documented by the auctioneer as signed Roux Bordier Roman et Cie on the movement. The gold case measures 4.5 cm in diameter, weighs 75.8 grams, and features bezels set with oriental pearls. According to the source, the mechanism is a fire-gilt verge escapement with chain and fusee. The visible case back displays a finely painted polychrome enamel scene of a classical woman attended by two winged putti against an engine-turned translucent blue enamel background.

Back view showing the polychrome painted enamel mythological scene and pearl-set bezel
Back view showing the polychrome painted enamel mythological scene and pearl-set bezel — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Roux, Bordier, Roman & Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
291
Source-reported date
early 19th C.
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

Object Identity and Origin

This pocket watch is attributed to the Geneva-based makers Roux, Bordier, Roman & Cie. and is associated with the early 19th century by the auction documentation.

The movement is reported by the source as being signed "Roux Bordier Roman et Cie."

Evidence for this section
  • “Geneva, Roux, Bordier, Roman & Cie., early 19th C.”
  • “signed "Roux Bordier Roman et Cie"”

Physical Specifications and Exterior

The timepiece measures 4.5 cm in diameter and weighs 75.8 grams. The bezels are set with oriental pearls.

The case features a polychrome enamel scene on the back depicting a woman accompanied by two winged putti against an engine-turned translucent blue ground.

Evidence for this section
  • “diameter 4.5 cm.”
  • “Weight 75.8 g.”
  • “The bezels set with oriental pearls.”
  • “Polychrome enamel back case scene showing a seated woman attended by two winged putti on an engine-turned translucent blue ground.”

Movement and Reported Condition

The watch utilizes a fire-gilt verge escapement with chain and fusee. The movement and dial are not visible in the provided image.

Documented condition issues include minor damage to the enamel of the dial and around the winding hole, as well as a small enamel repair.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fire gilt verge escapement with chain and fusee”
  • “Enamel of dial and around the winding hole with minor damage, enamel with a small repair.”

Open research questions

  • What is the condition of the watch dial surface, specifically regarding the reported damage to the enamel?
  • Are there any maker's marks or hallmarks on the gold case interior to assist in provenance?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Roux, Bordier, Roman & Cie. gold and enamel openface repeating pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureRoux Bordier Roman et Cie“signed "Roux Bordier Roman et Cie"”
Movement TypeFire gilt verge escapement with chain and fusee“Fire gilt verge escapement with chain and fusee”
Bezel DecorationOriental pearls“The bezels set with oriental pearls.”
Diameter4.5 cm“diameter 4.5 cm.”
Weight75.8 g“Weight 75.8 g.”
OriginGeneva“Geneva, Roux, Bordier, Roman & Cie., early 19th C.”

Visible details

  • Polychrome enamel back case scene showing a seated woman attended by two winged putti on an engine-turned translucent blue ground.
  • Bezel bordered completely by a continuous row of split seed pearls.
  • Extended gold pendant stem with a wide oval suspension bow.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and front dial are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • The source reports minor damage to the enamel of the dial and around the winding hole, alongside a small enamel repair.

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

Consulted source

A gold enamel openface repeating pocket watch. - Lot 291

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 318943279b

Terms in this record

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

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