Manufacturer: Swiss
Year: Circa 1900
Movement No: 594
Case No: 38’755
Material: 18K yellow gold
Calibre: Manual, 20’’’ movement, jewelled
Dimensions: 56mm diameter
Signed: Case and movement numbered; Cuvette signed by retailer
Provenance: Christie’s Geneva, 20 May 1992, lot 148
Provenance
Christie’s Geneva, 20 May 1992, lot 148
Catalogue Essay
From 1890 until mid 20th century, the Indian market flourished with Swiss-made timepieces, as royalty and aristocracy from the Indian subcontinent traded in luxury goods, particularly pocket watches.

In some instances, photographs were provided to artisans to render enamel portraits of the Maharajas or noblemen commissioning the watches. Some pieces featured intricate engravings on the case, while others, like the present watch, have been preserved in their original condition. M.J. Pack, a key importer in Bombay, also operated a retail store in Paris, supplying French and Swiss-made pocket watches to India.

Technically impressive, this heavy gold watch is housed in a hunter case and is captivating in its own right. Boasting a minute repeater, triple calendar, and chronograph, this sophisticated grand complication timepiece is likely made for the distinguished collector seeking an elegant and practical piece without overwhelming decorations.

Featuring a detent escapement, the balance wheel is particularly noteworthy, featuring a blued steel helical hairspring—an exceedingly rare attribute seldom found in contemporary timepieces. Another known example, just one movement and case number away, shares the same configuration but includes engravings on the hunter case.

Extremely well-preserved, this watch showcases crisp engravings on the cuvette, with deep and intact hallmarks. The domestic gold Helvetica hallmark with a small "L" indicates that the piece originated from Le Locle. Having been kept in a private collection for over three decades since its last public appearance, this timepiece represents a remarkable chapter in horological history.