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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Musical repeating pocket watch

Swiss 18k gold openface musical pocket watch with repetition

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch is cased in 18k gold and attributed to Switzerland, dating to approximately 1820. The source reports a silver guilloché dial with Roman numerals and blued hands. According to the auction catalogue, the gilt movement employs a cylinder escapement with chain and fusee, incorporating repetition on two gong spirals. A cylinder musical movement is fitted within the watch and operated by a small button on the edge. The watch features key winding, a gilt cuvette, and bears case number 494, measuring 5.8 cm in diameter and weighing 121 grams.

Dial view of the Swiss 18k gold openface musical pocket watch shown with winding key
Dial view of the Swiss 18k gold openface musical pocket watch shown with winding key — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Pocket watch · Musical repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
274
Source-reported date
Ca. 1820
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
494

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

Physical Characteristics

The pocket watch is described as an 18k gold openface timepiece. The exterior features a polished bezel and a round bow attached to a turned pendant. The source reports that the case exhibits minor dents along the edges.

The dial is composed of silver with a guilloché finish, featuring printed Roman numerals and blued hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “A rare Suisse 18k gold openface musical pocketwatch”
  • “Silver guilloche dial with roman numerals and blued hands.”
  • “Minor dents along with edges”
  • “Polished gold bezel and round bow attached to a turned pendant”

Movement and Mechanisms

The movement is identified as gilt and utilizes a cylinder escapement, chain, and fusee. The watch is wound by a key and includes a gilt cuvette.

The timepiece contains a repetition complication operating on two gong spirals. Additionally, it is fitted with a cylinder musical movement, which is activated by a small button located on the edge of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt movement with cylinder escapement, chain and fusee.”
  • “Gilt cuvette.”
  • “Key winding.”
  • “Repetition to two gong spirals.”
  • “Cylinder musical movement activated via a small button to the edge.”

Specifications and Status

The watch is attributed to Switzerland with an approximate date of 1820 and bears the case number 494. The physical dimensions are recorded as 5.8 cm in diameter with a weight of 121 grams.

The source documentation indicates that the internal movement is currently in need of repair.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ca. 1820.”
  • “Case no. 494.”
  • “Diameter 5.8 cm.”
  • “Weight 121 g.”
  • “movement in need of repair.”

Open research questions

  • Are there internal movement markings or maker signatures present that were not captured in the auction description?
  • Does the 'cylinder musical movement' require specific, non-standard winding or servicing protocols compared to the main train?
  • What specific repair work is required to restore the musical and repeating functions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss 18k gold openface musical pocket watch with repetition
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18k gold“A rare Suisse 18k gold openface musical pocketwatch”
DialSilver guilloche dial with roman numerals and blued hands“Silver guilloche dial with roman numerals and blued hands.”
Escapement and driveCylinder escapement, chain and fusee“Gilt movement with cylinder escapement, chain and fusee.”
ComplicationsRepetition on two gong spirals and cylinder musical movement“Repetition to two gong spirals. Cylinder musical movement activated via a small button to the edge.”
Case number494“Case no. 494.”
Diameter5.8 cm“Diameter 5.8 cm.”
Weight121 g“Weight 121 g.”
Case Number494“Case no. 494.”
Weight121 g“Weight 121 g.”
Diameter5.8 cm“Diameter 5.8 cm.”

Visible details

  • Openface pocket watch shown alongside an accompanying winding key
  • Silvered dial with textured central field, printed Roman numeral hour track, and blued Breguet-style hands
  • Polished gold bezel and round bow attached to a turned pendant

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, cuvette, and case interior are not visible in the supplied single photograph
  • Source reports movement is in need of repair and notes minor dents along the edges

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

Consulted source

A rare Suisse 18k gold openface musical pocketwatch with cylinder movement and repetition - Lot 274

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record aa9738ea1e

Terms in this record

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

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