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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Turquoise Set Gold Swiss Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face Swiss pocket watch dates to the early 19th century. The case is constructed from 18-karat gold in three colors, featuring a relief decoration of a flower basket on the back cover. The exterior is further ornamented with set turquoise stones. The bezel is spring-loaded, released via a button in the pendant. The watch features a gold dial with engine-turned decoration, Roman numerals, and blue steel hands. Winding is performed through a hole in the dial. The movement is a gilt-finish full-plate fusee caliber equipped with a verge escapement. It includes a pierced and engraved balance bridge, a simple three-arm gold balance, a blue steel balance spring, and a silver regulator plate with a blue steel indicator. The watch uses a steel endstone located at the end of the balance axis. Condition reports suggest potential missing or darkened turquoise stones and potential wear to the chain mechanism.

Full-view photograph of the turquoise-set, tri-color gold case back featuring a floral relief design.
Full-view photograph of the turquoise-set, tri-color gold case back featuring a floral relief design. — Zamanito (sourced from Pieces of Time). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Pieces of Time
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
early 19th century
Source-reported place
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 and Dial

The watch is housed in an 18-karat open-face case constructed from three colors of gold. The case back features a prominent relief depiction of a flower basket, surrounded by floral motifs. Further decoration is provided by set turquoise stones applied to the case back and the bezel. The front bezel is spring-loaded and operates via a push-button mechanism integrated into the winding pendant.

The dial is also crafted from gold and displays engine-turned (guilloché) patterns. It is marked with Roman numerals for the hours and fitted with blue steel hands. Winding is achieved by inserting a key through an aperture positioned on the dial. The outer rim surrounding the dial is further embellished with botanical motifs and additional turquoise inlays.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از طلای ۱۸ عیار روباز (Open Face) ساخته شده”
  • “قاب پشتی آن با نقش‌برجسته‌ای از گل و سبد به کار رفته از سه رنگ مختلف طلا مزین شده است”
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس طلا بوده و دارای تزئینات گیوشه یا تراش ماشینی (Engine Turned) است”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a traditional full-plate design with gilt finish and features a fusee and chain drive. The balance cock is intricately pierced and engraved. A steel endstone is present at the end of the balance axis. The balance assembly utilizes a simple three-arm gold balance wheel paired with a blue steel spiral balance spring.

Regulation is adjusted using a silver regulator plate, which features a blue steel indicator pointer. The movement is configured with a verge escapement, consistent with its early 19th-century origin. The source indicates that the integrity of the fusee chain and the originality of the movement components require further inspection by the collector.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای صفحه کامل و روکش طلا (Gilt Fusee Movement) همراه با زنجیر و حلزونی است”
  • “پل تعادل (Bridge Cock) به شکل بسیار ظریفی مشبک‌کاری و قلم‌زنی شده”
  • “یک صفحه نقره‌ای مخصوص تنظیم رگلاتور با نشانگر فولاد آبی روی موتور تعبیه شده است”

Condition and Observations

Visual inspection of the provided photographs suggests that the decorative turquoise elements on the exterior and bezel may have suffered losses or display darkening in certain areas. Prospective owners are encouraged to verify the condition of these stones personally.

Additional points of caution highlighted for potential collectors include the functional status of the fusee chain and the integrity of the spring-loaded bezel mechanism. The internal state and the presence of any secondary, non-original interventions to the movement parts are not documented and remain subject to professional assessment.

Evidence for this section
  • “در تصاویر بررسی نگین‌های فیروزه روی بدنه و زوار نشان می‌دهد که ممکن است در برخی نقاط نگین‌ها افتاده یا دارای تیرگی باشند”
  • “کلکسیونرها باید سلامت فنر زنجیر فیوزی، سلامت نگین‌های فیروزه، عملکرد قفل فشاری آویز و عدم وجود دستکاری‌های ثانویه در قطعات موتور را مورد بررسی قرار دهند”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific hallmark on the case confirming the 18-karat gold content?
  • Is there a maker's mark or signature hidden on the movement plate under the dial or bridge?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Turquoise Set Gold Swiss Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
EscapementVerge escapement“چرخ‌دنگ ویرگول”
Movement typeGilt fusee movement“موتور فیوزی تمام‌پلیت با آبکاری طلا”
Dial decorationEngine turned“تزئینات گیوشه یا تراش ماشینی (Engine Turned)”
Winding mechanismKey-wind from dial“کوک کردن ساعت مستقیماً از طریق روزنه تعبیه شده روی صفحه انجام می‌پذیرد”
OriginSwitzerland“ساعت جیبی عتیقه سوئیسی”

Visible details

  • Case decorated with three-color gold floral relief and turquoise settings
  • Engine-turned gold dial with Roman numerals
  • Blue steel hands
  • Pierced and engraved balance bridge on the movement

Research qualifications

  • Possible missing or darkened turquoise stones
  • Functional state of the fusee chain not verified

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

Consulted source

Turquoise Set Gold Swiss Verge

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 27961232a7

Terms in this record

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

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