Swiss solid 18ct gold ladies pocket watch - c1840s

Description

This is a very beautiful French ladies antique pocket watch, dating from the 1840s and in as near to mint condition as you will ever find for a watch dating back over 160 years. There is no significant wear - amazing for its age. It is clear that the watch has hardly ever been used. The watch comes from my watchmaker's private collection and features a gorgeous solid 18ct gold fancy case, original mint uncracked enamel dial [more white than photographed] and a quality Swiss key-wound movement. The movement has just been cleaned and oiled by my watchmaker and is in full working order. A winding key will be provided with the watch. The watch comes complete with a new, quality presentation case. I sense it will make someone a very special Christmas present. It will also provide a certain financial investment as fewer and fewer early pocket watches in this condition come to the market.

My asking price is below the value of the watch, given the continual rise in value of antique pocket watches of this quality. Such is the high quality of the watch, I will include a six month written guarantee on the movement, which is long enough for you to assess the working order. Also, I offer a full refund if you are not entirely happy, as long as the watch is returned within seven days if UK customer, fourteen days if overseas, in the same condition. Please feel free to view the watch in central London.

The solid 18ct gold fancy case is in near-mint crisp condition, apart from one chip in the enamel. It measures 32mm x 43mm long, including the solid 18ct gold stem/bow. Both stem and bow are in excellent condition. The inner cuvette carries a beautifully engraved personal inscription ‘Marie Jouas, 30 Janvier 1848’. Both back lids [cuvettes] close correctly, with the hinge in good order. The inner cuvette is also 18ct gold.

The beautiful enamel dial is in virtual mint very white bright condition - no cracks or chips - amazing for its age. The original fancy hands are in excellent unbent condition and the original lens is perfectly clear.

The original key-wound Swiss movement is in excellent, bright condition. The movement has just been cleaned and oiled by my watchmaker and is in very good working order for its age. A winding key will be provided.

A superb antique pocket watch; full of charm and history. Will provide an excellent financial investment as well as a possession to enjoy.