Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Le Locle

Watch with independent seconds

Verified

The gold case has an engine-turned back and bears the following inscription engraved on the dome: Echappement libre à ancre trois levées et vingt-deux trous en rubis Balancier compensateur réglé en températures et positions diverses (Free lever escapement with ruby pallets and impulse pin and twenty-two ruby bearings compensation balance regulated in various temperatures and positions).

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH I-199
Object type
Pocket watch
Place of production
Le Locle
Dating
1840 - 1860
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
or, émail, laiton doré
Dimensions (catalogue)
dimensions min/max: 41 x 45 mm
Inscriptions (catalogue)
3 chevrons (Fond du boîtier); S. Mairet au Locle (Mouvement)

Historical significance

  • The gold case has an engine-turned back and bears the following inscription engraved on the dome: Echappement libre à ancre trois levées et vingt-deux trous en rubis Balancier compensateur réglé en températures et positions diverses (Free lever escapement with ruby pallets and impulse pin and twenty-two ruby bearings compensation balance regulated in various temperatures and positions).
  • The white enamel dial has black painted Roman numerals for the hours, Breguet hour and minute hands, and a long centre seconds hand.
  • The gilded brass movement has a lever escapement, a compensation balance, a Breguet overcoil balance spring, and a separate train for the seconds. The seconds hand can be stopped via a small slide on the edge of the case.
  • A letter signed by Sylvain Mairet, dated 10 July 1854, explains the watch’s technical features to the buyer and mentions the retail price of 600 francs.

Photographs

Watch with independent seconds (MIH I-199)
Watch with independent seconds (MIH I-199) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Watch with independent seconds (MIH I-199)
Watch with independent seconds (MIH I-199) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. I-199: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/38519/

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.