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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · La Chaux-de-Fonds

"Onion" watch, Movement signed: J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751

Verified

The engraved and gilded brass case-back shows a woman on a swing being pushed by a cupid. The circumference is engraved with scrolls and strawberry flowers interspersed with a variety of animals such as dogs, rabbits and birds.

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH I-53
Object type
Pocket watch
Place of production
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Dating
1751
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
laiton doré, argent
Dimensions (catalogue)
dimensions min/max: 61 x 70 mm
Inscriptions (catalogue)
J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751 (Mouvement)

Historical significance

  • The engraved and gilded brass case-back shows a woman on a swing being pushed by a cupid. The circumference is engraved with scrolls and strawberry flowers interspersed with a variety of animals such as dogs, rabbits and birds.
  • The silver dial, decorated with chased acanthus leaves in the centre, has engraved Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes. The minute hand is missing.
  • The movement has a fusee with chain, a verge escapement, and four Egyptian pillars. The silver balance-cock, engraved and pierced with four fleurs-de-lis and scrolls, occupies almost the whole surface of the plate and covers a three-armed balance regulated by a gold spring. A silver ring bearing the watchmaker’s signature surrounds the plate.

Photographs

"Onion" watch, Movement signed: J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751 (MIH I-53)
"Onion" watch, Movement signed: J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751 (MIH I-53) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
"Onion" watch, Movement signed: J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751 (MIH I-53)
"Onion" watch, Movement signed: J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751 (MIH I-53) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
"Onion" watch, Movement signed: J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751 (MIH I-53)
"Onion" watch, Movement signed: J. SANDOZ LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS AN 1751 (MIH I-53) — 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-53: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/35160/

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