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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced verge pocket watch

Vaucher à Paris Yellow Gold, Enamel and Pearl-Set Open-Faced Watch

Partially verified

This yellow gold, enamel, and pearl-set open-faced pocket watch is attributed by the source to Vaucher à Paris and dates to circa 1790. Measuring 33 mm in diameter, the piece features a signed gilt full-plate chain and fusee movement with verge escapement and a pierced, engraved balance bridge. The white enamel dial exhibits Arabic numerals and an off-center winding aperture. The exterior case features pearl-set front and back bezels enclosing a relief floral bouquet with green enamel details within a royal blue guilloché enamel surround.

Dial and reverse views of the Vaucher à Paris gold, enamel, and pearl-set watch
Dial and reverse views of the Vaucher à Paris gold, enamel, and pearl-set watch — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vaucher à Paris
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2320
Source-reported date
circa 1790
Country
France

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

Construction and Decoration

The open-faced watch is composed of yellow gold and measures approximately 33 mm in diameter. The front and back bezels are set with pearls. The reverse of the case features an applied floral bouquet with green enamel details, surrounded by a blue enamel ring. The pendant is also decorated with green enamel.

The source reports the enamel and seed pearls are intact, with the exception of minor chips to the green enamel on the pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “diameter 33 mm”
  • “pearl set front and back bezel, floral bouquet applied on case back with green enamel detail, within a blue enamel surround”
  • “pendant decorated with green enamel”
  • “Enamel and seed pearls on case are intact, with only minor chips to the green enamel on the pendant.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The timepiece features a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals. A chip and a soft enamel repair are present on the dial between the 2 and 3 o'clock positions.

The winding square aperture is not specifically mentioned in the source text; however, the source confirms the presence of the dial described.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial, Arabic numerals”
  • “Enamel dial with chip and soft enamel repair between 2 and 3 o'clock.”

Movement

The watch is powered by a gilt full-plate chain and fusee movement featuring a verge escapement and a pierced, engraved balance bridge. The movement is signed.

It was reported that the movement was running at the time of cataloguing but exhibits some tarnishing and is described as requiring service.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt full plate chain and fusee movement with verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance bridge”
  • “movement signed”
  • “Movement runs while cataloguing, but would benefit from servicing at the buyer's expense.”
  • “There is some tarnishing to the movement.”

Open research questions

  • What is the provenance of the piece attributed to Vaucher à Paris?
  • Does the 'soft enamel repair' on the dial affect the integrity of the surrounding enamel work?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vaucher à Paris Yellow Gold, Enamel and Pearl-Set Open-Faced Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
EscapementVerge escapement“gilt full plate chain and fusee movement with verge escapement”
Case Diameter33 mm“diameter 33 mm”
Dial DescriptionWhite enamel dial, Arabic numerals“white enamel dial, Arabic numerals”
Case DecorationPearl set bezels with applied floral bouquet and enamel“pearl set front and back bezel, floral bouquet applied on case back with green enamel detail, within a blue enamel surround”
SignatureMovement signed“movement signed”
Attributed Datecirca 1790“CIRCA 1790”

Visible details

  • Front and back bezels are bordered with split pearls.
  • Winding square aperture is positioned on the dial between 1 and 2 o'clock.
  • Reverse features an applied vase and floral bouquet with green enamel details encircled by a translucent blue enamel ring.
  • Dial exhibits Arabic numerals and blued steel hands.
  • A visible repair or discoloration appears on the enamel dial between 2 and 3 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement is unpictured in the lot photograph.
  • Condition report notes a chip and soft enamel repair between 2 and 3 o'clock on the dial.

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

Consulted source

(#2320) Vaucher a Paris

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record f4840d3685

Terms in this record

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