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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant watch

Unsigned Pendant-Watch with Inverted Bagnolet Calibre

Partially verified

This pendant watch is an unsigned timepiece dating to circa 1840-1850. The piece is constructed from yellow gold and features enamel decoration alongside diamond-set embellishments. It measures 27.5 mm in diameter. The internal mechanism is an inverted 11-ligne calibre identified as the Bagnolet type. The movement is fabricated from gilded brass and is finished with engraved floral and scroll motifs. Technical features include a going barrel, a cylinder escapement, a monometallic balance, and a blued steel flat hairspring. The exterior exhibits blue enamel work described in the auction record as having been restored. The watch is currently supplied with its original hands.

Front view of the unsigned pendant watch showing the blue enamel back and diamond-set floral motif.
Front view of the unsigned pendant watch showing the blue enamel back and diamond-set floral motif. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
480
Source-reported date
circa 1840-1850
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
24 739

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 External Decoration

The watch features a circular yellow gold case with a diameter of 27.5 mm. The back is decorated with blue enamel, which the auction description indicates has been subject to restoration. Applied to the center of the enameled surface is a diamond-set floral arrangement consisting of a central stone surrounded by smaller diamond elements forming a bouquet motif.

The piece is equipped with a gold pendant bow at the top, facilitating its use as a pendant watch. The condition of the enamel and case is reported as good in the auction documentation, with the case specifically graded as 3-77, indicating good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Restored soft enamel”
  • “Dimensions Ø 27.5 mm.”
  • “Case: 3-77 Good”

Movement and Construction

The watch is powered by an inverted 11-ligne movement of the type described as the Bagnolet calibre. This gilded brass movement is decorated with engraved scrolls and floral patterns.

Regulation of the watch is provided by a monometallic balance paired with a blued steel flat hairspring. The auction documentation assigns the movement number 24 739 to this piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “inverted calibre known as Bagnolet, gilded brass, engraved with scrolls and flowers, with going barrel, cylinder escapement, monometallic balance and blued steel flat hairspring”
  • “Movement No. 24 739”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Condition and Attribution

The watch is presented as an unsigned object with no identified maker. It is dated to the period circa 1840-1850 based on the auction house records. The grading provided for the watch components is consistent across the dial and movement, both receiving a 'Good' classification. The original hands are noted as present on the watch, contributing to its current state of preservation.

As an unsigned piece, the attribution relies solely on the provided catalogue notes. The source provides no further details regarding the origin of the watch or its history prior to the auction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brand Unsigned”
  • “Year circa 1840-1850”
  • “Dial: 3-01 Good”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What specific historical horological context defines the 'Bagnolet' calibre classification?
  • Were there specific regions or workshops known for this style of diamond-set floral enamel decoration in the 1840s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned Pendant-Watch with Inverted Bagnolet Calibre
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUnsigned“Brand Unsigned”
Movement Serial24 739“Movement No. 24 739”
Calibre11''' Inverted Bagnolet“Calibre 11''', inverted calibre known as Bagnolet”
MaterialYellow gold, enamel, diamonds“Material yellow gold, enamel and diamonds”
Diameter27.5 mm“Dimensions Ø 27.5 mm.”
EscapementCylinder“cylinder escapement”
Enamel StatusRestored“Restored soft enamel”

Visible details

  • Blue guilloche-style enamel case back
  • Central floral spray motif set with rose-cut diamonds
  • Circular pendant bow and crown
  • Gilded metal surfaces inside the movement

Research qualifications

  • The exact country of manufacture is not stated in the source
  • The source notes the enamel has been restored

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

Consulted source

UNSIGNED PENDANT-WATCH WITH INVERTED BAGNOLET CALIBRE; YELLOW GOLD, ENAMEL AND DIAMONDS

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 20518788b3

Terms in this record

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

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