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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Unsigned Astronomical Hunting Cased Minute Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Swiss-made keyless minute repeating watch is housed in an 18K pink gold four-body hunting case with a polished finish and a monogram engraved on the cover. The white enamel dial features Roman numerals, an outer Arabic minute track, and a chronograph ring. Complications include a triple calendar with subsidiary dials for the days of the week, months, and date, alongside a subsidiary seconds dial featuring an integrated moon phase aperture. The movement is a 20-ligne nickel-plated caliber decorated with "fausses cotes," containing 31 jewels. It utilizes a counterpoised straight line lever escapement with a cut bimetallic balance and a Breguet balance spring. The watch includes a repeating function operated by a slide in the case band and a chronograph function activated via a push-piece. The diameter is 59 mm. It is unsigned.

Front view of the 18K pink gold hunting cased watch with enamel dial and astronomical complications.
Front view of the 18K pink gold hunting cased watch with enamel dial and astronomical complications. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
172
Source-reported date
circa 1900
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 Design

The watch features a massive four-body "bassine" case crafted from 18K pink gold. The exterior cover of the hunting case is polished and decorated with an engraved monogram. A hinged gold cuvette protects the internal components. The case band integrates a slide for the minute repeating mechanism and a push-piece for the chronograph function.

The dial is white enamel with Roman numerals for the hours and an outer Arabic track for minutes and chronograph seconds. The layout includes sunk subsidiary dials for the calendar functions, displaying the day of the week, the month, and the date. An aperture for the moon phase is positioned within the subsidiary seconds dial. The display is completed with blued steel "Louis XV" hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body, massive, "bassine", polished, the cover engraved with a monogram”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette”
  • “White enamel with Roman numerals,outer Arabic minute and chronograph ring”
  • “Blued steel "Louis XV" hands”

Movement and Complications

The 20-ligne movement is nickel-plated and finished with "fausses cotes" decoration. It contains 31 jewels and is fitted with a counterpoised straight line lever escapement. The regulation is maintained by a cut bimetallic balance and a Breguet balance spring.

The watch functions as a minute repeater, striking on gongs, with the activation slide located in the case band. Additionally, it contains a chronograph mechanism with partially visible work and a push-piece integrated into the case band for operation. The astronomical display includes a triple calendar and a moon phase indicator.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glazed 20"', nickel plated, "fausses cotes" decoration, 31 jewels”
  • “counterpoised straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring”
  • “Repeating on gongs with slide in the band”
  • “Chronograph with partly visible work and push piece in the band”

Origin and Identification

The object is attributed to Swiss production circa 1900. The item is unsigned by any maker or manufacturer. It is identified in the record as Lot 172.

The condition of the watch is reported by the auction description as very good.

Evidence for this section
  • “Unsigned, Swiss, circa 1900”
  • “In very good condition”

Open research questions

  • What is the origin or identity of the engraved monogram on the case?
  • Are there any maker's marks or hallmarks hidden on the inside of the case or cuvette that were not listed?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned Astronomical Hunting Cased Minute Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18K pink gold“18K pink gold”
Jewel count31 jewels“31 jewels”
Case typeFour body hunting case“Four body, massive, "bassine”
ComplicationTriple calendar, moon phase, chronograph, minute repeater“moon phase astronomical keyless minute repeating watch with chronograph and triple calendar”
EscapementCounterpoised straight line lever“counterpoised straight line lever escapement”
ConditionVery good“In very good condition”

Visible details

  • Case diameter measures 59 mm
  • Features 'Louis XV' style hands
  • Includes moon phase aperture integrated within the subsidiary seconds dial
  • Movement is nickel-plated with 'fausses cotes' finish

Research qualifications

  • The maker remains unidentified
  • The exact significance of the monogram on the case cover is not specified

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

Consulted source

Unsigned, Swiss, circa 1900. Fine 18K pink gold hunting cased, moon phase astronomical keyless minute repeating watch with chronograph and triple calendar.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record fe35ea302e

Terms in this record

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

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