18K Yellow Gold French Cylinder Pocket Watch, Breguet-Style
Pocket Watch (Hunter or Savonnette Case) · Yellow Gold with a warm, slightly rosy hue characteristic of historical copper-heavy alloys.
Purity: 18K (750/1000) solid gold. This indicates a 75% pure gold content, common in French luxury horology of the 19th century.
Type
Pocket Watch (Hunter or Savonnette Case)
Purity
18K (750/1000) solid gold. This indicates a 75% pure gold content, common in French luxury horology of the 19th century.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a warm, slightly rosy hue characteristic of historical copper-heavy alloys.
Weight
Total weight approx. 60-90g; gold case weight estimated at 25-35g excluding the movement.
Description
An exquisite example of French horological craftsmanship, this 18K solid gold pocket watch features a protective dust cover (cuvette) signed 'D. Vallet à Paris'. The internal engraving highlights the cylinder escapement with four ruby jewels, a sign of quality for the period. The case radiates a deep, rich yellow gold glow, typical of high-purity French gold work.
Key Features
Cuvette engraving specifying 'Cylindre en Rubis, Quatre Trous en Joyaux', French Eagle's Head hallmark, and a low serial number suggestive of a small workshop production.
Color & Finish
High-luster yellow gold case with a frosted or 'gilt' inner cuvette (dust cover). Surface shows a smooth factory polish with light age-related patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Eagle's Head (Tête d'Aigle) hallmark visible on the interior case lid, indicating 18K purity and French origin. Serial number 'No. 300' and 'A PARIS' are engraved.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approximately 45mm to 50mm. Standard pocket watch size.
Gemstones & Inlays
No external gemstones. The movement contains 4 ruby jewels used as functional bearings, as noted by the 'Quatre Trous en Rubis' engraving.
Clasp & Closure
Hinged 'hunter' style case featuring a mechanical latch and a ring-style bow (pendant) at the 12 or 3 o'clock position.
Chain & Links
N/A - The item is a watch case. The bow is a heavy, solid gold circular link designed to attach to a fob or Albert chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-engraved cuvette, precision hinges, and a high-refinement gold alloy case. The engraving shows master-level script work executed with a burin.
Authentication Indicators
The Tête d'Aigle stamp is the primary authenticity marker. The hand-engraved cursive script and specific 'A Paris' terminology match known 19th-century French standards.
Origin & Maker
Origin: Paris, France. Maker: Likely 'D. Vallet' as indicated by the cursive engraving on the cuvette.
Era & Period
Mid-19th Century (likely 1840-1870), during the transition from early mechanical clock-making to precision portable watches.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850. The use of 'Cylindre en Rubis' and the Eagle hallmark system point to this mid-Victorian era.
Cultural Significance
Pocket watches were the ultimate status symbols for gentlemen in the 1800s; a gold-cased watch from Paris represented the pinnacle of both fashion and technological investment.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. The gold case shows minor surface scratches (swirls). The internal cuvette markings are sharp. The hinge remains tight and functional. Grade: Very Good (Antique).
Value Estimate
$1,800 - $3,500. Value is derived roughly 50% from gold content and 50% from horological/antique collectible premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners. Use a specialized gold polishing cloth. Keep away from magnetic fields. Professional mechanical servicing every 5-10 years is required if intended for use.
Similar Items
18K Gold Swiss Key-Wind Watches, Breguet Marine Chronometers, or English Lever Pocket Watches (usually 18K or 22K with different hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
The 'Cylinder Escapement' mentioned was a popular 19th-century mechanism that allowed watches to be thinner than the older Verge movements.