Swiss 18k 32 Jewel Detent Escapement 5 Minute Repeater Pocket Watch Serviced
An exceptional late 19th century Swiss 18ct yellow gold Chronometre Five Minute Repeater pocket watch, representing the pinnacle of traditional Swiss watchmaking. Freshly serviced and housed in a substantial solid 18ct gold hunter case weighing approximately 114 grams, this remarkable timepiece combines exceptional craftsmanship with one of the most desirable complications ever produced.
Measuring an impressive 52mm in diameter, the heavy 18ct yellow gold case houses a beautifully preserved white enamel dial with crisp Roman numerals, elegant blued Breguet hands and a subsidiary seconds register. The dial remains in outstanding original condition and perfectly complements the quality of the movement within.
Opening the finely engraved inner cuvette reveals the original factory inscription:
Chronometre
Répétition Heures & cinq minutes
Spiral Breguet & renversement
32 Rubis
This confirms the watch was manufactured as a high grade chronometer fitted with a five minute repeater complication, striking the hours and nearest five minute interval on demand via the slide in the case band. Such watches represented the very finest achievements of Swiss horology and were among the most expensive and technically advanced portable timekeepers of their era.
The beautifully engineered movement features 32 jewels, a rare chronometer detent escapement, Breguet overcoil hairspring, compensation balance and exceptional hand finished construction throughout. The movement architecture is consistent with those produced by the elite specialist workshops of the Vallée de Joux, renowned for supplying repeating movements to many of the world's leading retailers during the late nineteenth century.
The five minute repeater operates with a clear, rich tone, while the movement has recently been professionally serviced and is presented in excellent mechanical condition.
Large solid gold repeaters of this calibre are becoming increasingly difficult to source, particularly examples retaining their original enamel dial, engraved cuvette and high grade chronometer movement. Combining a substantial 114 gram 18ct gold case with an exceptionally refined movement and one of horology's most celebrated complications, this is a pocket watch that will appeal to serious collectors of complicated watches and museum quality Swiss timepieces.
Features
• Swiss manufacture, circa 1890 to 1905
• Solid 18ct yellow gold hunter case, has minor dints to case consistant with age
• Approx. 52mm case diameter
• Approx. 114 grams total weight
• High grade Chronometre movement
• Five minute repeater complication
• Rare chronometer detent escapement
• 32 jewel movement
• Breguet overcoil hairspring
• Compensation balance
• White enamel Roman numeral dial
• Blued Breguet style hands
• Subsidiary seconds display
• Original engraved inner cuvette
• Recently professionally serviced
Condition
Presented in very good original condition. The white enamel dial is exceptionally well preserved with no obvious cracks or restoration visible. The substantial 18ct gold case displays only signs of careful handling accumulated over more than a century and retains nice definition throughout. The movement is clean, beautifully finished and has recently been professionally serviced. The five minute repeater functions correctly with a clear, pleasing strike.
An outstanding opportunity to acquire a high grade Swiss chronometer five minute repeater of exceptional quality, combining a rare detent escapement, substantial gold case and outstanding mechanical sophistication.
Every watch offered by Harrington & Co is carefully inspected for authenticity and condition. We have been trusted by collectors worldwide for over two decades and pride ourselves on offering quality timepieces backed by accurate descriptions, professional photography and secure worldwide shipping.
HNCO are not responsible for import duties, tariffs or customs charges. This is the buyers / importers responsibility.
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
