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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Form watch

Yellow Gold and Enamel Minaret Watch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this lot features a minaret-shaped form watch constructed in yellow gold and polychrome enamel, measuring 2 3/4 inches long. The upper minaret body integrates a container enclosed with a screw-down lid and surmounted by a diamond-shaped finial. The hinged bottom conceals a timepiece featuring a white dial with black Arabic numerals. The source states the watch is powered by a key-wound and key-set gilt verge fusee movement signed Amalrie Fres., bearing movement number 20114 and an inner case back stamp reading JA B 20114. The gross weight is reported as 15.25 dwt.

Exterior view of the yellow gold and polychrome enamel minaret form case with suspension chain
Exterior view of the yellow gold and polychrome enamel minaret form case with suspension chain — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Form watch
Maker / attribution
Amalrie Fres.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
363
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
20114

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

Form and Exterior Construction

This pocket watch is designed as a minaret-shaped object measuring 2 3/4 inches in length. The exterior features polychrome enamel and engraved details.

The casing includes an upper container with a screw-down lid. Suspension is facilitated by lateral loops and a chain, which is recorded as broken.

Evidence for this section
  • “Consisting of a polychrome enamel and engraved minaret containing a container at top with screw down lid”
  • “2 3/4 inches long.”
  • “The attached chain is broken.”

Timekeeping Mechanism and Configuration

The base contains a hinged case concealing a watch with a white dial and black Arabic numerals. The movement is a key-wound and key-set gilt verge fusee type, signed 'Amalrie Fres.'

The movement is numbered 20114, and the inner case back is stamped 'JA B 20114'. The piece cannot be wound or set as no key is included with the lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “the bottom with hinged case concealing a watch with white dial, black Arabic numerals, key wound and set gilt verge fusee movement signed Amalrie Fres.”
  • “Movement number: 20114.”
  • “Inner case back stamp: JA B 20114.”
  • “There is no key to accompany this lot so it cannot be wound or set.”

Materiality and Condition

Acid testing indicates the casing is constructed of 14 karat gold. Gross weight is reported as 15.25 dwt.

Reported condition issues include loss of enamel at the bottom of the case hinge and a broken attached chain.

Evidence for this section
  • “Acid test indicates the metal is 14 karat gold.”
  • “Gross weight: 15.25 dwt.”
  • “There is some loss of enamel at the bottom of the case hinge.”
  • “The attached chain is broken.”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance or usage of the minaret-form watch case?
  • Does the 'JA B' stamp correspond to a known case maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Yellow Gold and Enamel Minaret Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureAmalrie Fres.“key wound and set gilt verge fusee movement signed Amalrie Fres.”
Movement Number20114“Movement number: 20114.”
Inner Case StampJA B 20114“Inner case back stamp: JA B 20114.”
Dimensions2 3/4 inches long“2 3/4 inches long.”
Gross Weight15.25 dwt“Gross weight: 15.25 dwt.”
Movement TypeVerge fusee“key wound and set gilt verge fusee movement”
Gross Weight15.25 dwt“Gross weight: 15.25 dwt.”
ProvenanceSold to Benefit the Acquisition Fund of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields“Sold to Benefit the Acquisition Fund of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields”

Visible details

  • Minaret-form casing with decorative polychrome enamel panels in blue, red, green, and gold tones.
  • Engraved floral and foliate motifs framing the enamel sections.
  • Diamond-shaped finial surmounting the upper dome.
  • Gold suspension chains attached to lateral loops, with a broken hanging section extending below the base.

Research qualifications

  • The watch dial, movement, and interior container are fully concealed within the closed case and cannot be evaluated from the photograph.
  • The auction house notes that the attached chain is broken, no winding key is included, and acid testing indicated 14 karat gold.

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

Consulted source

YELLOW GOLD AND ENAMEL MINARET WATCH | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record df8b2ca553

Terms in this record

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