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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Musical quarter-repeating pocket watch

Unsigned Musical Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This unsigned 18K pink gold pocket watch, dating to approximately the 1820s, features both musical and quarter-repeating complications. Designed with a sur-plateau musical movement, it is capable of playing music on the hour or on demand. The case is set with pearls and incorporates a hinged gilt brass cuvette, which contains apertures for winding and a lever for selecting between silent and musical modes. The enamel work is attributed to Jean-Louis Richter of Geneva, and the movement is attributed to P&M. The watch is decorated with detailed enamel paintings, including a scene of figures at a temple on the dial and a riverside ceremony on the case back. It measures 58mm in diameter and weighs approximately 164 grams. The watch is reported to have been created for the Chinese market during the 19th century.

Front view of the unsigned pocket watch showing the enamel dial painting and pearl-set bezel.
Front view of the unsigned pocket watch showing the enamel dial painting and pearl-set bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Musical quarter-repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
80
Source-reported date
circa 1820s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
9936

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 timepiece is housed in an 18K pink gold case measuring 58mm in diameter, embellished with a border of pearls. The watch is distinguished by its extensive use of miniature enamel painting. The reverse of the watch case contains a second enamel painting illustrating a complex narrative scene identified in the documentation as a riverside Dragon Boat Festival ritual.

This tableau includes multiple participants, including musicians, officials, and attendants, set against a mountainous landscape and river scene with traditional boats.

Evidence for this section
  • “The caseback showcases an enamel painting depicting a riverside Dragon Boat Festival”
  • “The miniature artwork portrays the poet accompanied by two servants”

Movement and Complications

The watch features a two-train movement equipped with a sur-plateau musical mechanism. This complication allows the watch to play music on the hour or when activated by the user. In addition to the musical function, the piece provides a quarter-repeating complication for time indication.

Access to the movement and the setting mechanisms is provided through a hinged gilt brass cuvette. This internal cover contains apertures for winding the musical and timekeeping trains and includes a protruding lever at the edge, which allows the user to switch the watch between silent and musical playing modes.

Evidence for this section
  • “An extremely fine and very rare, large, 18K pink gold, two-train, musical and quarter-repeating, pearl-set pocket watch with sur-plateau musical movement”
  • “The numbered hinged gilt brass cuvette with apertures for winding and music movement winding, with a Silence/Musique lever protruding at the edge.”

Documentation and Condition

The auction records categorize the watch as being in good condition overall, though the movement is noted as requiring an overhaul. The enamel work on the dial and case is attributed to the Genevan artist Jean-Louis Richter, while the movement production is linked to the firm P&M. The watch is noted to have been originally manufactured for the Chinese market.

The provenance and assembly of the piece are presented through these source-attributed attributions.

Evidence for this section
  • “This exquisite pocket watch, made for the Chinese market circa 1820s”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended”

Open research questions

  • What specific workshop or watchmaker does the 'P&M' attribution refer to?
  • Are there extant records confirming the specific commission of this watch for the Chinese market?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned Musical Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUnsigned“UNSIGNED”
Datecirca 1820s“Made circa 1820s”
Case Number9936“Case No. 9936”
Diameter58mm“Diameter 58mm”
Weight164gr“Weight 164gr. (approx.)”
Enamel attributionJean-Louis Richter“The enamel is attributed to Jean-Louis Richter, Geneva.”
Movement attributionP&M“movement attributed to P&M.”
Condition ReportOverhaul recommended“Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • White enamel ring dial with Roman numerals surrounding a central enamel painting
  • Outer bezel set with a border of small pearls
  • Hinged gilt brass cuvette featuring winding holes and a Silence/Musique lever
  • Case back displays an enamel painting of a riverside ritual

Research qualifications

  • The enamel painting is attributed to Jean-Louis Richter
  • The movement is attributed to P&M
  • The central dial painting's specific subject identification as Qu Yuan is speculative

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

Consulted source

UNSIGNED, QUATER-REPEATING MUSICAL, POCKET WATCH, ENAMEL PAINTING, PEARL, 18K PINK GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 76418162c3

Terms in this record

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