Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Repeat à toc pocket watch

Vauchez à Paris lady's gold and enamel repeat à toc pocket watch

Partially verified

This lady's open-face verge pocket watch is attributed to the maker Vauchez, based in Paris, and dates to approximately 1800. The timepiece is constructed from 750 yellow gold and features decorative elements including a translucent blue enamel finish over a guilloché sunburst ground, complemented by a central rosette on the case back. A distinctive feature of the housing is the setting of pearls along the bezel and the rim of the back cover. The watch utilizes a key-wind mechanism, with the winding aperture positioned between the 2 and 3 o'clock markers. Internally, the object operates with a gold-coloured full-plate movement equipped with a verge escapement and a pierced, engraved balance cock. The movement is documented with the number 1356. Functionality is provided by a repeat à toc striking complication, allowing time indication via direct impact on the case.

Front view of the Vauchez open-face pocket watch showing the pearl-set bezel, Arabic numeral dial, and key-wind aperture.
Front view of the Vauchez open-face pocket watch showing the pearl-set bezel, Arabic numeral dial, and key-wind aperture. — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Repeat à toc pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vauchez
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1800
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
1356

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 exterior of this watch is characterized by its use of 750 yellow gold and applied decorative elements. The case back is finished with translucent blue enamel applied over a guilloché sunburst ground, incorporating a central rosette motif. Framing the assembly are rows of pearls set into the bezel and the rim of the back cover.

The white enamel dial utilizes Arabic numerals for the hour indicators and includes a dotted minute track. Specific markers appear at the 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute positions. Time is displayed using Breguet-style hands, and a winding hole for the key-wind mechanism is integrated into the dial between the 2 and 3 o'clock positions.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is richly decorated with translucent blue enamel over a guilloché sunburst ground, featuring a central rosette on the back.”
  • “The bezel and the rim of the back cover are adorned with a decorative setting of pearls.”
  • “The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals, a dotted minute track with markers at the 15, 30, 45, and 60 positions, and elegant Breguet-style hands.”

Movement and Complication

The movement is a gold-coloured full-plate design utilizing a verge escapement. The watch incorporates a repeat à toc striking complication. This mechanism allows the time to be determined audibly through direct strikes against the case, rather than through the activation of an internal gong component.

The watch includes an original winding key. The serial identification 1356 is engraved on the movement plate, alongside the signature 'A PARIS'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a gold-coloured full-plate type with a verge escapement, featuring a pierced and engraved balance cock.”
  • “The watch is equipped with a repeat à toc striking complication, which allows the time to be made audible by striking the case directly rather than utilizing a gong.”
  • “The piece is signed "VAUCHEZ" on the dial and "A PARIS" with a movement number "1356" on the plate.”

Hallmarks and Documentation

The object is identified by the presence of French hallmarks, specifically the eagle's head which designates 750-grade yellow gold. The watch is signed 'VAUCHEZ' on the dial, with the location 'A PARIS' and the serial number '1356' inscribed on the plate.

The documentation of the object is derived from an auction listing archive. The period is estimated as circa 1800, though the classification of this timing is noted as probable rather than definitive.

Evidence for this section
  • “It bears multiple hallmarks, including the French eagle's head for 750 gold”
  • “The piece is signed "VAUCHEZ" on the dial and "A PARIS" with a movement number "1356" on the plate.”
  • “probably circa 1800”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival records might confirm the production date and history of the 'Vauchez' maker?
  • Does the serial number 1356 correspond to any surviving manufacturer ledger or register?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vauchez à Paris lady's gold and enamel repeat à toc pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVauchez“signed "VAUCHEZ" on the dial”
Datecirca 1800“dating to approximately 1800”
Material750 yellow gold“crafted in 750 yellow gold”
Serial1356“movement number "1356”
Complicationrepeat à toc“repeat à toc striking complication”
Escapementverge“verge escapement”
WindingKey-wind“key-wind mechanism”
Dialwhite enamel“The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands
  • Dotted minute track with numeric markers at 15, 30, 45, and 60
  • Key-wind hole positioned between 2 and 3 o'clock
  • Full-plate movement with pierced balance cock

Research qualifications

  • The date is cited as 'probably circa 1800' in the source
  • The watch's functional status is not explicitly verified in the text

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

Consulted source

Vauchez à Paris lady's gold and enamel repeat à toc pocket watch with pearl setting

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 241dee9c60

Terms in this record

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