
Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
Dufalga Geneve Gold Pair Diamond And Enamel Pocket Watch, 1780
- Maker / attribution
- Unrecorded in source
- Date
- 1780
- Historical period
- Precision & Scientific Horology (1750 – 1850)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Materials / technique
- gold, enamel, diamond
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 5501
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 5501)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Dufalga Geneve Gold Pair Diamond And Enamel Pocket Watch (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 5501), this is a pocket watch, made in Switzerland, dated 1780. The Atlas places it in the Precision & Scientific Horology period (1750 – 1850) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold, enamel, diamond. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop
Step back in time to the opulent era of the late 18th century with the Dufalga Geneve Gold Pair Diamond and Enamel Pocket Watch, a masterpiece of horological craftsmanship that embodies both elegance and historical significance. Crafted around 1780 by the renowned Philippe Cafarello, this extraordinary timepiece is a testament to the exquisite artistry and technical prowess of its era. Encased in luxurious gold, the pocket watch boasts a pair case design that not only protects its intricate inner workings but also exudes a timeless sophistication. Its quarter repeater and repeater a toc functions are rare features that elevate this watch to a league of its own, offering a glimpse into the advanced watchmaking techniques of the time. The dial, a canvas of artistic expression, is adorned with intricate enamel work and diamonds, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that defines this remarkable piece. As a rare and important artifact from the late 1700s, the Dufalga Geneve pocket watch is not merely a timekeeper but a symbol of the rich cultural and technological heritage of its period, making it an invaluable addition to any discerning collector’s assemblage. Introducing the remarkable Philippe Cafarello Dufalga Geneve pocket watch, a truly rare and important timepiece from around 1780. This exquisite gold pair case pocket watch features a quarter repeater and repeater a toc function, making it a truly exceptional piece. The dial of this watch is a work of art in itself. Crafted in white enamel, it showcases Roman numerals, complemented by an outer minute track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The dial also boasts the original, intricate filigree diamond set hands, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design. The watch is housed in a pair case, composed of two gold cases. The outer case is adorned with a beautiful enamel scene depicting Abraham offering up a sacrificial lamb, surrounded by maidens. The front bezel of the case is fully set with rose cut diamonds, while the pusher used to open the case is embellished with a large rose cut diamond. Green gold garlands adorn the edges, adding an extra touch of elegance to the outer case. Inside the outer case, the inner case is intricately chased and cut to allow for optimal sound transmission. The pendant, set with a large rose cut diamond, adds a luxurious touch. Opening the inner case reveals the original dust cover, signed Dufalga Geneve. Beneath the dust cover lies a stunning keywind fusée with verge escapement movement, also fully signed. The repeater mechanism functions perfectly, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Philippe Cafarello. Philippe Cafarello was a watchmaker known for producing luxury watches. He migrated from Paris to Geneva and obtained naturalization in 1745. This particular pocket watch showcases his exceptional workmanship and attention to detail. In pristine condition, it is a rare find and a true collector’s piece. Experience the beauty and elegance of this Philippe Cafarello Dufalga Geneve pocket watch for yourself. Creator: Dufalga Case Material: Gold,Enamel Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Round Cut Case Shape: Round Movement: Manual Wind Case Dimensions: Diameter: 48 mm (1.89 in) Place of Origin: Switzerland Period: 18th Century Date of Manufacture: 1780s Condition: Excellent
Historical context
Precision & Scientific Horology (1750 – 1850)
Harrison solves longitude; Mudge invents the lever; Breguet's Paris workshop defines the modern watch.
From 1750 to 1850 the watch became a precision instrument. Mudge's lever escapement, the cylinder escapement, Lépine's thin bar calibre, Breguet's innovations (overcoil, tourbillon, perpétuelle) and the pocket chronometer of Arnold and Earnshaw all date from this period, while verge watches remained common in cheaper production.
Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Early Modern Horology
Atlas type guide
Pocket watches
The pocket watch was the dominant personal timekeeper from the late seventeenth century until the First World War. Its development tracks the history of the escapement: verge watches with fusees until the late eighteenth century; Thomas Mudge's lever escapement (c. 1755) and the cylinder escapement popularised by George Graham and later by Swiss makers; and the Swiss and English lever watches of the nineteenth century. Lépine's bar-bridge calibre and keyless winding made watches thinner and easier to use.
Industrialisation transformed the trade: American factories such as Waltham (from 1850) and Elgin produced interchangeable parts by machine, and Swiss makers responded with their own mechanisation after the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. By 1900 a reliable watch was affordable to millions; the finest makers continued to produce complications and precision watches.
What to look for
- The escapement: verge (crown wheel), cylinder, duplex, English or Swiss lever.
- Key winding (a square arbor in dial or back) or keyless crown winding.
- Signatures and serial numbers on the movement, dial and inside case back.
- Hallmarks, case maker's marks and gold or silver standards stamped in the case.
- Dial material: enamel, silver, gold, later printed metal.
Dating clues
- Verge watches dominate before c. 1800; cylinder watches c. 1770–1900; lever watches after c. 1820.
- Keyless winding: increasingly common after c. 1860.
- Manufacturer serial number lists exist for Waltham, Elgin, Longines, Omega, Patek Philippe and others.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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