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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Swiss quarter-repeating pocket watch with enamel decoration

Partially verified

This 18K gold pocket watch is attributed to Swiss production, specifically created for the Eastern market around 1840. The piece features a complex, four-body 'forme collier' case extensively decorated with painted enamel. The back cover depicts a musical and floral trophy set against a pale blue ground, surrounded by a translucent red enamel border and a wider green enamel reserve populated with gold foliage and circular floral medallions. The bezel is similarly decorated and features an eccentric glazed aperture. Inside, a hinged gold cuvette displays technical information in champlevé enamel. The silver dial presents radial Roman numerals on a moiré chapter ring with a center engraved with a harbor scene. The movement is a 43 mm matte-gilt calibre with eight jewels, a plain three-arm balance, and an 'English-type' ruby cylinder escapement. It provides a quarter-repeating function, actuated by a pull-and-twist piston in the pendant.

The obverse of the watch showing the silver dial and the reverse showing the enamel trophy decoration.
The obverse of the watch showing the silver dial and the reverse showing the enamel trophy decoration. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Dx & F
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
92
Source-reported date
circa 1840
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4220

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 Exterior Decoration

The exterior is highly decorative, employing multiple enamel techniques to create a detailed display. The back cover centers on a painted enamel composition featuring musical instruments and flowers set on a pale blue background. This central scene is framed by a border of translucent red enamel, which is in turn surrounded by a wider band of green enamel decorated with gold foliage and six individual circular flower medallions.

The bezel and pendant are finished to match the case, incorporating a shell and flower band. The dial itself is viewed through an eccentric glazed aperture in the bezel. A hinged gold cuvette protects the movement and carries technical details in champlevé enamel, as well as specific apertures for the winding and hand-setting functions of the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, forme collier, the back cover decorated with a painted on enamel musical and floral trophy on a pale blue ground”
  • “serpentine translucent red enamel border, outer green and red enamel reserve with gold foliage and six circular flower roundels”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette with technical details in champleve enamel”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 43 mm matte-gilt calibre featuring eight jewels. It utilizes an 'English-type' ruby cylinder escapement, characterized by a half-section ruby fitted into a steel frame rather than the more common overhanging ruby cylinder. The balance is a plain three-armed design, governed by a blued steel flat balance spring and an index regulator.

The watch functions as a quarter-repeater, using two polished steel hammers striking on gongs to indicate the time. The repeating mechanism is activated by a pull-and-twist piston integrated into the pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “43 mm., matte gilt, 8 jewels, English-type ruby cylinder escapement, plain three-arm balance”
  • “repeating on gongs with two polished steel hammers activated by a pull-and-twist piston in the pendant”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description assigns the watch to Switzerland and indicates it was produced for the 'Eastern market' around 1840. While the maker is not identified, the dial is punched 'Dx & F' on the reverse.

The condition report notes that the case and dial are in very good condition, while the movement is rated as 'Good'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Swiss, No. 4220. Made for the Eastern market, circa 1840.”
  • “The reverse of the dial punched Dx & F.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific identity of the 'Dx & F' mark found on the reverse of the dial?
  • What are the specific variations in 'English-type' cylinder production found in Swiss watches of this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss quarter-repeating pocket watch with enamel decoration
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Serial Number4220“Swiss, No. 4220.”
Material18K Gold“18K gold and painted on enamel pocket watch”
EscapementEnglish-type ruby cylinder“English-type ruby cylinder escapement”
Repeating functionQuarter-repeating“quarter-repeating, 18K gold and painted on enamel pocket watch”
Diameter49 mm“Diam. 49 mm.”
Dial decorationEngraved harbor view“the center engraved with a harbour view within a scroll border.”
Case typeFour-body, forme collier“Four-body, forme collier”

Visible details

  • Musical instrument motif on back cover
  • Engraved harbor scene in dial center
  • Green, red, and blue enamel color palette
  • Piston-actuated repeater mechanism

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to maker is absent, only 'Swiss' manufacture is stated
  • Originality of 'English-type' ruby cylinder fitting is contextualized but not verified

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

Consulted source

Musical trophy Swiss, No. 4220. Made for the Eastern market, circa 1840. Very fine and rare, thin, quarter-repeating, 18K gold and painted on enamel pocket watch with English-type ruby cylinder escapement.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1ca5a3a475

Terms in this record

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

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