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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Rounding-up tool

Watchmaker's Gear Wheel Rounding Up Tool

Partially verified

This late 19th-century watchmaker's rounding-up machine (machine à arrondir) is designed for truing watch wheels, adjusting tooth form, and altering tooth depth. Fabricated from brass and steel, the apparatus is equipped with a large curved-spoke driving wheel rotated by a hand crank with a dark handle, linked by a drive band to the upper spindle assembly. The tool is mounted atop an elevated brass pedestal fixed to a rectangular walnut plinth. The base contains a pull-out frontal drawer fitted with rows of dedicated brass collets and accessories.

Elevated three-quarter view of the brass and steel rounding-up tool mounted on the walnut drawer base with collets displayed
Elevated three-quarter view of the brass and steel rounding-up tool mounted on the walnut drawer base with collets displayed — 1stDibs. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.1stdibs.com
Category
Tool · Rounding-up tool
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
A474
Catalogue / lot identifier
LU2160313018822
Source-reported date
circa 1890
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

Object Identity and Function

This apparatus is described as a gear wheel rounding-up machine (machine à arrondir) for watchmakers. It is designed for truing watch wheels and shaping gear teeth.

The seller states that the hand-operated machine has been disassembled, cleaned, and polished.

Evidence for this section
  • “A rare gear wheel rounding up machine for watchmakers, machine à arrondir ingenuous watchmaking machine used to true up watch wheels and shape gear teeth”
  • “hand-operated machine for reducing out-of-round gears, changing the tooth form and depth of teeth, has been disassembled, cleaned and polished.”

Construction and Materials

The machine is composed of brass and steel and is mounted on a polished walnut base. It features a large driving wheel with a diameter of 18 cm, operated by a hand crank.

The base includes a drawer which contains an array of accessories, though the listing notes that two accessories are missing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Materials and Techniques : Brass , Steel , Walnut”
  • “Driving wheel measuring 18 cm diameter”
  • “mounted to a walnut box with frontal drawers containing accessories, two missing.”

Provenance and Documentation

The item is stated to be of Continental origin, with the seller suggesting it is probably from Switzerland or France; France is listed as the place of origin in the provided metadata.

The apparatus is dated to the late 19th century, specifically cited as circa 1890.

Evidence for this section
  • “of Continental origin, probably Switzerland or France”
  • “Place of Origin : France”
  • “Date of Manufacture : circa 1890”

Open research questions

  • Are there any visible maker's marks or stamps on the metal components to substantiate a specific French or Swiss origin?
  • Does the cleaning and polishing process described by the seller obscure original manufacturing details?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watchmaker's Gear Wheel Rounding Up Tool
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Machine TypeMachine à arrondir / gear wheel rounding up machine“machine à arrondir ingenuous watchmaking machine used to true up watch wheels and shape gear teeth”
Driving Wheel Diameter18 cm“Driving wheel measuring 18 cm diameter”
Base Dimensions26 cm x 16 cm x 6 cm“mounted on a polished walnut base, 26 cm x 16 cm x 6 cm height.”
MaterialsBrass, steel, and walnut“Materials and Techniques : Brass , Steel , Walnut”
Date of Manufacturecirca 1890“Date of Manufacture : circa 1890”
Stated OriginContinental origin, probably Switzerland or France; listed as France“Continental origin, probably Switzerland or France”
Overall Dimensions29 cm x 34 cm x 23 cm“Height: 11.42 in (29 cm) Width: 13.39 in (34 cm) Depth: 9.06 in (23 cm)”
Seller ReferenceA474“Reference Number : Seller: A474”

Visible details

  • Large curved-spoke brass drive wheel operated by a hand crank with a dark grip
  • Drive band connects the main driving wheel to the upper arbor pulley
  • Base drawer is pulled open displaying an array of turned brass collets and cutters arranged in rows
  • Turned brass pedestal base secured by screws to a rectangular wooden plinth

Research qualifications

  • Seller notes the origin is Continental, probably Switzerland or France, with France selected in metadata fields
  • The listing indicates accessories are present in the drawer but notes two are missing
  • Seller notes the machine was disassembled, cleaned, and polished

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

Consulted source

19th Century Watchmakers Gear Wheel Rounding Up Tool Wunderkammern Instrument at 1stDibs | vintage watchmaker tools, round off tool, antique watchmaker tools

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 152a230ae2

Terms in this record

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

Other rounding-up tool records