Pocket watch · Clock watch hunting case pocket watch

Swiss gold and enamel quarter repeating grande and petite sonnerie clock watch

Partially verified

This Swiss 18k gold hunting case clock watch, dated by the auction house to circa 1890, measures 56 mm in diameter. The polished front lid features an enameled crown above a royal blue calligraphic Arabic monogram, which the source notes was possibly produced to commemorate the Muhammad Ali Dynasty in Egypt. According to the catalogue, the watch is powered by a damascened nickel tandem-wind two-train movement equipped with a lever escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance, and glazed cuvette. It features quarter repeating along with grande and petite sonnerie striking functions, while the concealed dial is described as silvered with vari-color gold foliage, black Roman numerals, and subsidiary seconds.

Front lid of the 18k gold hunting case pocket watch featuring an enameled crown and Arabic monogram — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.sothebys.com
Category: Pocket watch · Clock watch hunting case pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Swiss
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 142
Source-reported date: Circa 1890
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

Case Construction and Aesthetics

The timepiece is housed in an 18k gold hunting case measuring 56 mm in diameter. The exterior of the front lid is polished and features an enameled royal crown motif, centering on an Arabic monogram.

The case design incorporates a fluted winding crown situated at the twelve o'clock position, accompanied by an oval bow. Mechanical access points are noted on the side and bottom of the case.

Evidence for this section

“18k gold and enamel hunting case”
“56 mm diameter”
“the front lid with decorative Arabic enamel monogram”
“Polished yellow gold hunting case front lid with an enameled royal crown set with crescent-and-star motifs.”
“Fluted winding crown with an oval bow at twelve o'clock and visible case slide/lip elements on the side and bottom.”

Dial and Movement Details

The dial is described as silvered, featuring vari-color gold scrolling foliage, black radial Roman numerals, and a subsidiary seconds register.

The movement is described as a damascened nickel, highly jeweled tandem-wind two-train mechanism with a lever escapement and bi-metallic compensation balance. It includes a glazed cuvette.

Evidence for this section

“Dial: silvered, heightened by vari-color gold scrolling foliage, black radial roman numerals, subsidiary seconds”
“Movement: damascened nickel, highly jeweled tandem wind two-train, lever escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance, glazed cuvette”

Provenance and Functional Classification

The auction source notes the decorative Arabic enamel monogram may have been produced in commemoration of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty in Egypt. This is presented by the source as a possibility.

Functionally, the watch is a quarter repeater with grande and petite sonnerie striking. A saleroom notice clarifies it is a quarter repeater rather than a minute repeater.

Evidence for this section

“possibly made in commemoration for the Muhammad Ali Dynasty in Egypt”
“is a quarter repeater not a minute repeater”
“quarter repeating grande and petite sonnerie clock watch”

Open research questions

What specific archival evidence links the Arabic monogram to the Muhammad Ali Dynasty?
What is the identity of the maker associated with the case number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss gold and enamel quarter repeating grande and petite sonnerie clock watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Case material	18k gold and enamel	“18k gold and enamel hunting case”
Diameter	56 mm	“56 mm diameter”
Complications	Quarter repeating grande and petite sonnerie	“quarter repeating grande and petite sonnerie clock watch”
Movement	Tandem wind two-train, lever escapement	“damascened nickel, highly jeweled tandem wind two-train, lever escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance”
Dial description	Silvered with vari-color gold scrolling foliage	“silvered, heightened by vari-color gold scrolling foliage, black radial roman numerals, subsidiary seconds”
Estimated Date	Circa 1890	“Circa 1890”
Case Signature	Numbered	“Signed: case numbered”

Visible details

Polished yellow gold hunting case front lid with an enameled royal crown set with crescent-and-star motifs.
Central royal blue calligraphic Arabic monogram flanked by small reddish-brown script marks.
Fluted winding crown with an oval bow at twelve o'clock and visible case slide/lip elements on the side and bottom.

Research qualifications

The internal movement, glazed cuvette, and silvered dial are described in the catalogue but not visible in the provided image.
The connection to the Muhammad Ali Dynasty is noted by the auction house as possible rather than definitive.

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

Consulted source

Swiss | A heavy gold and enamel quarter repeating grande and petite

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record d46d028b83

Terms in this record

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