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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Silver verge pocket watch

Partially verified

This silver verge pocket watch is dated by the source to circa 1820 and features a notably decorative enamelled dial. The dial is painted with an elaborate scene including an altar, a central bust, flower vases, and a dog, surrounding a smaller, inset time display featuring Arabic numerals. The watch is housed in a smooth silver case measuring 58mm in diameter. Internally, the object is fitted with a gilt full plate movement equipped with a verge escapement driven by a fusee and chain. The mechanism includes a filigree verge bridge and a silvered regulating scale. The signature "Breguet à Paris" appears on the movement. The source notes that the object is currently in an incomplete state, with one hand missing from the dial. The piece is described as "intakt" in the original documentation, and it is internally referenced under the number 461/1223/002.

Front view of the silver verge pocket watch showing the enamelled dial with decorative scene and Arabic numeral sub-dial.
Front view of the silver verge pocket watch showing the enamelled dial with decorative scene and Arabic numeral sub-dial. — Auktionshaus am See / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Breguet à Paris
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
192142451
Source-reported date
circa 1820
Source-reported place
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

Case and Dial Design

The watch is presented in a smooth silver case measuring 58mm in diameter. The dial is the primary aesthetic feature of the object, executed in enamel. It displays an intricate scene characterized by a central altar topped with a bust, flanked by flower vases. A dog is also depicted in the lower portion of the design.

Centered within this composition is a smaller, distinct dial layout for the hours and minutes, marked with Arabic numerals. As noted in the documentation, the watch is currently missing one of its hands, which detracts from the original functional configuration of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “smooth silver case”
  • “diameter 58mm”
  • “Emaillezifferblatt mit Altar, Büste, Blumenvasen und Hund bemalt”
  • “1 hand missing”

Movement and Mechanics

The watch utilizes a traditional gilt full plate movement design. Power is delivered to the verge escapement through a fusee and chain mechanism, The movement is finished with a filigree verge bridge, which serves as a decorative element over the balance assembly.

Adjustment of the watch's rate is facilitated by a silvered regulating scale. The internal movement bears the signature "Breguet à Paris," though independent verification of this inscription is required. The source states the movement is intact aside from the missing external dial hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “vergoldetes Vollplatinenwerk mit Spindelgang über Schnecke und Kette”
  • “filigran gearbeitete Spindelbrücke”
  • “versilberte Regulierskala”
  • “signed Breguet à Paris on movement”

Provenance and Identification

The object is associated with the auction listing ID 192142451 and carries an internal inventory designation of 461/1223/002. The dating is provided as circa 1820. The records originate from an auction house archive, which serves as the primary source for the object's description and identification details.

As with many historical timepieces, the attribution to "Breguet à Paris" requires caution. The auction documentation acts as a record of the object's current state, but the authenticity of the signature and the specific attribution remain subjects for further professional study and independent confirmation.

Evidence for this section
  • “circa 1820”
  • “signed Breguet à Paris on movement”
  • “461/1223/002 (internal)”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement construction and specific filigree bridge work align with the known output of the Breguet workshop in Paris around 1820?
  • Is there additional provenance available for this specific lot beyond the auction records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver verge pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialsmooth silver case“smooth silver case”
Movement typegilt full plate movement with verge escapement“vergoldetes Vollplatinenwerk mit Spindelgang über Schnecke und Kette”
Dial decorationenamelled dial with altar, bust, flower vases and dog“Emaillezifferblatt mit Altar, Büste, Blumenvasen und Hund bemalt”
Datecirca 1820“circa 1820”
Maker markBreguet à Paris“signed Breguet à Paris on movement”
Diameter58mm“diameter 58mm”
Conditionone hand missing“1 hand missing”

Visible details

  • The enamelled dial depicts a scene with an altar, bust, flower vases, and a dog.
  • The watch is missing one hand, leaving only the hour hand visible on the small sub-dial.
  • The case exterior appears smooth and unadorned.
  • The watch includes a pendant and bow at the top for attachment to a chain.

Research qualifications

  • The signature "Breguet à Paris" lacks independent authentication regarding the involvement of the maker Abraham-Louis Breguet or his workshop.
  • The attribution of the dating and maker remains subject to research and represents the auction house's statement.

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

Consulted source

Silver verge pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 02e7a0a050

Terms in this record

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

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