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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless pocket chronometer

Ulysse Breting keyless pocket chronometer

Partially verified

This 18k pink gold manual wind open face keyless pocket chronometer was produced by Ulysse Breting in Switzerland, circa 1880. The watch features an enamel dial with subsidiary seconds at the 6 o'clock position. The movement is a 19''' caliber, featuring fausses côtes decoration, 23 jewels, a gold wheel train, and a center wheel with screwed gold settings. The escapement is a pivoted detent type with a gold escape wheel and a detent pivot protected by a gold jewel cap on the cock. Timing is regulated by a cut bimetallic compensation balance, a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and an index regulator. The winding system utilizes a wolf's tooth gear arrangement. The watch has a diameter of 53 mm and a total weight of 154 grams. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the maker.

Front view of the 18k pink gold Ulysse Breting keyless pocket chronometer.
Front view of the 18k pink gold Ulysse Breting keyless pocket chronometer. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Ulysse Breting
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
161
Source-reported date
Circa 1880
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
23161

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

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a 19''' movement, which features fausses côtes decoration across its bridges. The train is comprised of gold wheels, and the center wheel is secured with screwed gold settings. The winding mechanism is notable for its use of wolf's tooth gears.

The chronometer utilizes a pivoted detent escapement, which incorporates a gold escape wheel. The detent pivot is capped by a gold jewel on the cock. Regulation is achieved through a cut bimetallic compensation balance combined with a blued steel Breguet-overcoil balance spring and an index regulator.

Evidence for this section
  • “19''',fausses côtes’ decoration, 23 jewels, center wheel screwed gold settings, wolf's tooth winding, gold wheel train, pivoted detent escapement with gold escape wheel, detent pivot with gold jewel cap on the cock, cut bimetallic compensation balance with blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator.”

Case and Dial

The timepiece is housed in an 18k pink gold open face case. It functions as a keyless-wound watch, designed in the open face style.

The dial is made of enamel and includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. Both the case and dial are signed by the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “18k pink gold, manual wind open face, keyless pocket chronometer”
  • “enamel dial with subsidiary seconds at 6”
  • “Signature Dial, case and movement”

Condition and Status

The auction description reports that the case is in good condition, although it shows slight scratching. The dial is also documented in good condition.

The movement is assessed as being in good condition overall, but with noted oxidation and scratches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched”
  • “Dial: 3-01 Good”
  • “Movement: 3-6-8* Good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the relationship between the movement serial number and Ulysse Breting production records?
  • Was the pivoted detent escapement typically employed in Ulysse Breting keyless pocket watches of this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysse Breting keyless pocket chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUlysse Breting“Ulysse Breting”
CountrySwitzerland“Switzerland”
DateCirca 1880“Circa 1880”
Case material18k pink gold“18k pink gold”
Movement number23161“Movement No. 23161”
Case number23161“Case No. 23161”
Diameter53 mm“Diameter 53 mm”
Jewel count23“23 jewels”

Visible details

  • Wolf's tooth winding gears visible on the movement plate
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Pivoted detent escapement with gold jewel cap on the balance cock
  • Fausses côtes decoration on the movement bridges

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition reported as slightly oxidized and scratched with an overhaul recommended
  • Case reported as slightly scratched

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

Consulted source

ULYSSE BRETING, SWITZERLAND, CHRONOMETER, PIVOTED DETENT ESCAPEMENT, 18K PINK GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 02838385aa

Terms in this record

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

Other keyless pocket chronometer records