Rare Antique Pocket Key Watch

Rare Antique Pocket Key Watch

Case Material: Silver, Enamel
Case Dimensions: Width: 1.78 in (45 mm) Diameter: 1.78 in (45 mm)
Style: Empire
Place of Origin: France
Period: Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture: 1800
Condition: Good Repaired: The pocket watch has been fully serviced and polished and in working order. Polished. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Condition Report: In worker order and high quality, considering it is an antique pocket watch. There are minor age-related marks on the silver casement and some fading that will be cleaned and polished before shipping. No damage to the enamel or hand.

Rare Antique Pocket Key Watch French 1800s with Painted Enamel Dial in Working Order
An exceptional example of French craftwork estimated from the mid-1800s with delicate enamel painting on the dial and bespoke Roman numerals.

Pocket watches have long been a token of style and refinement, even in today?s modern era. During the mid-1800s, this would have been a status symbol as manufacturing had increased so that it was more widely available. Everyone from businessmen to international travelers would have relied on a precise pocket watch to measure the train schedules, daily paper, and end of the work day.

In this case, the unique painted enamel on the dial and custom Roman numerals would mean a man of means owned this watch. Instead of relying on a more standard manufactured piece, this would have been hand-finished, demonstrating more wealth. What makes this particular timepiece so rare is the polychrome decoration of a city on the water.

When you look closely at the dial, you?ll find detailed decorations of a cartouche and flora motifs perfectly offsetting the silver casement. Both of the keys are attached to a metal chain, and the appearance of the monogrammed FB is evident on the cover metal. A French inscription on the interior reads: ?Echappement a Cylindre Aiguilles Quatre Rubiz.?

The keys refer to the critical winding and lock set for maintaining the watch. You can also see the makers mark numbered 9356 11509.

Condition Report: In worker order and high quality, considering it is an antique pocket watch. There are minor age-related marks on the silver casement and some fading that will be cleaned and polished before shipping. No damage to the enamel or hands. We service all pocket watches before dispatch by our horologist. Allow four weeks for delivery.

Provenance: From a private collection.

Literature:
Cf.:Christopher Barrow, The Pocket Watch: Restoration, Maintenance and Repair, 2011/ISBN: 9780719803901
Cf.:Dean Judy, 100 Years of Vintage Watches: Identification and Price Guide, 2nd Edition, 2017/ISBN: 9781626541191

Museums:
National Museum of American History - Smithsonian
The Met
Condition Report: See Description