Antique pocket watch : minute repeater with chronograph
Discussion
Thought you might be interested in an antique minute repeater with chronograph I've just purchased.
I've bought it as a special gift for my father-in-law.
The case is made from solid gold with the Swiss 14k gold hallmarks.
The watch has been kept in a safe for the last 50 years and as such is in fabulous condition. The minute repeater sounds just lovely
The dial is champagne and inside there is an exhibition style case back to help show off the movement.
I believe it was one of number of pocket watches with a connection to the Persian Shah from circa 1905, although I've not yet finalised the date.
The base movement is I think Le Phare but with a modification by Angelus.
Such a gorgeous thing and wonderful craftsmanship.
I'm getting it serviced before giving it to my father-in-law.
Hope you like the pictures
I've bought it as a special gift for my father-in-law.
The case is made from solid gold with the Swiss 14k gold hallmarks.
The watch has been kept in a safe for the last 50 years and as such is in fabulous condition. The minute repeater sounds just lovely
The dial is champagne and inside there is an exhibition style case back to help show off the movement.
I believe it was one of number of pocket watches with a connection to the Persian Shah from circa 1905, although I've not yet finalised the date.
The base movement is I think Le Phare but with a modification by Angelus.
Such a gorgeous thing and wonderful craftsmanship.
I'm getting it serviced before giving it to my father-in-law.
Hope you like the pictures
Edited by EddieSteadyGo on Monday 8th February 22:30
Thanks for your kind comments - I was just so pleased to find one in such nice condition.
The crazy thing is that, if you take into account the cost of the materials and how much it would cost to make an equivalent item today, these complicated antique pocket watches really do represent excellent value for money.
The crazy thing is that, if you take into account the cost of the materials and how much it would cost to make an equivalent item today, these complicated antique pocket watches really do represent excellent value for money.
mikeveal said:
Minute repeaters don't generally start until you're well into four figures. A minute repeater with a chrono would carry a significant premium. As would a watch in that condition...
Pocket watches aren't really my thing, but unless I'm waaay off the mark I think perhaps that your perception of value is rather different to mine.
Possibly your perception of value isn't that different to mine and you've landed the bargain of the century. I suggest a valuation from a specialist for insurance purposes. The only thing holding me back is that the watch doesn't appear to be signed.
I didn't get a bargain unfortunately; I paid all of the money you would expect as the owner knew he has a very nice watch that he had already had independently assessed.Pocket watches aren't really my thing, but unless I'm waaay off the mark I think perhaps that your perception of value is rather different to mine.
Possibly your perception of value isn't that different to mine and you've landed the bargain of the century. I suggest a valuation from a specialist for insurance purposes. The only thing holding me back is that the watch doesn't appear to be signed.
On the movement, quite often the movements on this vintage of watches were not signed. This is certainly the case with Le Phare, who I believed produced the base movement for this watch.
In terms of price, you are quite right with your view of the market for these kind of things.
My point about value for money was that, if you asked a watch company to make a watch in solid gold with circa 100 grams of gold excluding movement, with the level of complication involved in a minute repeater and chronograph, I think the cost would be well into 5 figures.
Hence my point about antiques of this nature being excellent value for money.
Reason for the gift is that my Father in Law helps my wife and I to a significant level with our children, and so we just wanted to show our appreciation by buying him the nicest quality and specification of watch, which we know he will cherish and which he would never bought for himself.
sealtt said:
Minute repeaters are big money, well into 5 figures even for a cheaper brand. I agree that these vintage pocket watches are fantastic value in terms of how much watch you get for your money. If only I could pull off using one, I'd buy one myself as I think they are fantastic!
Completely agree!Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff