Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute-repeater and single-button chronograph pocket watch

Trusty minute-repeater and single-button chronograph pocket watch

Partially verified

This silver-gilt hunting-case pocket watch, signed by Trusty, dates to approximately 1900 and was created for the Chinese market. The watch features a keyless-winding movement, a minute repeater, and a single-button chronograph. The case is finished with royal blue flinqué enamel over guilloché engine-turning, complemented by painted enamel scenes on the exterior; the cover displays a portrait of a young girl, while the back depicts a couple in eighteenth-century attire. The watch measures 56 mm in diameter and weighs approximately 132.7 grams. The white enamel dial is equipped with Roman numeral indexes and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The internal mechanism, a gilt brass half-plate movement, includes a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a Breguet balance spring. Repeating functions are activated by a push-button located at the 6 o'clock position, using gongs and a centrifugal repeater train regulator.

The Trusty minute-repeater and single-button chronograph pocket watch with its case cover open and the enamel-decorated reverse displayed.
The Trusty minute-repeater and single-button chronograph pocket watch with its case cover open and the enamel-decorated reverse displayed. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute-repeater and single-button chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Trusty
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
338
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
63752

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 Enamel Work

The watch is housed in a silver-gilt hunting-style case, measuring 56 mm in diameter. The exterior is decorated with royal blue flinqué enamel, which is a translucent enamel layer applied over engine-turned guilloché patterns. The case bezels are set with small pearls.

The cover of the hunting case features a miniature painted enamel portrait of a young blonde girl. The reverse of the case is decorated with a painted enamel scene depicting a young couple dressed in clothing described as being in the style of the 18th century, set within a landscape.

The case is listed as having a weight of approximately 132.7 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “royal blue flinqué enamel (translucent enamel over guilloché engine-turning) and painted enamel”
  • “On the cover, there is a portrait of a young blonde girl with a charming smile, and on the case back, a scene depicting a young couple in 18th-century dress within a landscape”

Dial and Hands

The white enamel dial features black Roman numeral hour markers, presented in a standard layout. A subsidiary dial for the seconds hand is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.

The dial also bears the signature 'Trusty' and features a small graphic mark of an animal in a reclining position, located above the brand signature. The hand set is original to the timepiece, matching the dial's enamel construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial with Roman numeral indexes and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock”
  • “Signature dial, case”

Movement and Complications

The internal movement is a gilt brass half-plate caliber. It features a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a Breguet balance spring. The chronograph works are visible upon inspection of the movement.

This piece integrates a minute repeater, which strikes on internal gongs. The repeater mechanism is operated by a push-button located at the 6 o'clock position on the case. It includes a silent, centrifugal repeater train regulator. The watch is also a single-button chronograph, allowing for the timing of short intervals.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt brass half-plate, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, Breguet balance spring”
  • “repeating on gongs by depressing a pushbutton at 6 o’clock”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or workshop associated with the 'Trusty' signature?
  • Does the serial number correspond to any known Swiss production records for Chinese market watches of this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Trusty minute-repeater and single-button chronograph pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTrusty“Trusty”
Yearcirca 1900“circa 1900”
Case MaterialSilver-gilt“silver-gilt”
Movement DescriptionGilt brass half-plate“gilt brass half-plate”
Weight132.7 gr“132.7gr.”
EscapementStraight-line lever“straight-line lever escapement”

Visible details

  • The watch case features pearl-set bezels
  • The enamel work on the exterior is a deep royal blue color
  • The dial features a logo of a reclining animal above the maker's name
  • The pusher for the repeater function is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark on the case edge

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the 'Trusty' brand is not provided by the source
  • The auction description recommends a mechanical overhaul at the buyer's expense

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

Consulted source

TRUSTY, MINUTE REPEATER AND CHRONOGRAPH, MADE FOR CHINESE MARKET, SILVER GILT AND ENAMEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2add5a33b3

Terms in this record

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