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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch with chatelaine

Watch and chatelaine by Hippolyte Téterger

Partially verified

This horological object is a combined watch and chatelaine, originating from Paris, France, and attributed to the case maker Hippolyte Téterger. Dated to approximately 1875–78, the object comprises a watch with a gilded brass and steel movement housed within a decorative assembly. The chatelaine is constructed from gold and platinum, featuring enamel work and diamond settings. The overall dimensions of the piece are 6 1/4 by 2 3/8 inches, with the watch back plate measuring 1 1/16 inches in diameter. The internal dust cover of the watch is engraved with the maker's signature and address, 'Téterger / 31 RUE ST AUGUSTIN / Paris'. The movement is visible upon opening the case, displaying a standard lever escapement configuration, while the chatelaine structure incorporates elaborate sculptural elements. The object is currently held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Full view of the watch and chatelaine assembly, showing the diamond-set gold and platinum frame and the enameled watch case.
Full view of the watch and chatelaine assembly, showing the diamond-set gold and platinum frame and the enameled watch case. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of Cele H. and William B. Rubin, 1959. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch with chatelaine
Maker / attribution
Hippolyte Téterger
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
59.43a–c
Source-reported date
ca. 1875–78
Source-reported place
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

Case and Chatelaine

The watch is suspended from an elaborate chatelaine assembly constructed primarily of gold and platinum. The design utilizes significant quantities of diamonds set into intricate floral and scrollwork patterns.

The watch case itself is heavily ornamented to match the chatelaine, with an enameled and diamond-set exterior cover. The gold surfaces exhibit high-relief detailing, and the color palette is created through the application of enamel in a star-burst pattern on the case back, centered by a diamond.

Evidence for this section
  • “Chatelaine: partly enameled gold and platinum set with diamonds”

Movement and Signature

Visible through the open case back are the bridge layout and the balance assembly. The regulator is clearly marked with the French terms 'AVANCE' and 'RETARD' to facilitate timekeeping adjustments.

A gold dust cover protects the movement and carries the formal signature of the maker. The engraving reads 'Téterger' on the first line, followed by the shop address '31 RUE ST AUGUSTIN' on the second, and 'Paris' on the final line in a cursive script.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: gilded brass and steel”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under the accession number 59.43a–c. It was acquired by the institution in 1959 as a gift from Cele H. and William B. Rubin.

The record is based on museum documentation identifying Hippolyte Téterger as the case maker. The object is listed within the museum's online collection database, providing the material composition and dimensions used for this reference entry.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 59.43a–c”
  • “Gift of Cele H. and William B. Rubin, 1959”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber and its manufacturer, as Téterger is identified primarily as the case maker?
  • Are there similar chatelaine watch assemblies by Téterger in other private or public collections to confirm the consistency of his production methods?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch and chatelaine by Hippolyte Téterger
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHippolyte Téterger“Case maker: Hippolyte Téterger (French, 1831–after 1891)”
Dateca. 1875–78“dated ca. 1875–78”
MaterialsEnameled gold, platinum, diamonds, brass, steel“Chatelaine: partly enameled gold and platinum set with diamonds; Movement: gilded brass and steel”
Overall Dimensions6 1/4 × 2 3/8 in.“Overall: 6 1/4 × 2 3/8 in. (15.9 × 6 cm)”
Movement Diameter1 1/16 in.“Diameter (back plate): 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm)”
Accession Number59.43a–c“59.43a–c”

Visible details

  • Case features two sculptural mermaid figures flanking the watch dial
  • Movement dust cover is signed 'Téterger 31 RUE ST AUGUSTIN Paris'
  • Watch movement includes an 'AVANCE / RETARD' regulator adjustment
  • Chatelaine incorporates diamond-set floral and scroll decorative motifs

Research qualifications

  • The exact horological manufacturer of the movement mechanism remains unspecified beyond the case maker
  • The extent to which this specimen represents a wider commercial type has not been independently verified

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

Consulted source

Watch and chatelaine, Hippolyte Téterger, ca. 1875–78

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record efbf00b4ac

Terms in this record

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

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