Gold French Cylinder & Ratchet Key, c. 1830

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The “Gold French Cylinder & Ratchet Key – Circa 1830” is a stunning testament to the artistry and precision of early 19th-century French watchmaking. This exquisite timepiece, originating from France around 1830, encapsulates the elegance and sophistication of its era. It boasts a magnificent gold open face case that houses a keywind gilt Lepine calibre bar movement, complete with a suspended going barrel. The watch’s design is both simple and refined, featuring a plain cock and a blue steel regulator, while the balance wheel, crafted from gilt, is complemented by a blue steel hairspring. The polished steel cylinder and steel escape wheel further enhance its mechanical allure. The dial, adorned with an engine-turned silver pattern and Roman numerals, is graced with gilt Breguet hands, exuding timeless class. The 18-carat open face case, with its beautifully faded engine-turned middle, adds a decorative touch to the watch’s exterior. This masterpiece is wound and set through a gilt metal cuvette and comes with a short gold chain for ease of wear. Accompanying this remarkable watch is a gold ratchet key, a work of art in itself, featuring intricate chasing and engraving. With a diameter of 48 mm and in good condition, this anonymous creation is not just a timepiece but a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and style, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of French horology. This exquisite timepiece is an early 19th Century French cylinder watch. It features a beautiful gold open face case with an accompanying gold ratchet key. The watch is powered by a keywind gilt Lepine calibre bar movement with a suspended going barrel. It has a simple yet elegant design, with a plain cock and a blue steel regulator. The balance wheel has three arms and is made of gilt, while the hairspring is crafted from blue steel. The cylinder is made of polished steel, and the escape wheel is made of steel as well. The dial is adorned with an engine turned silver pattern and features Roman numerals. The hands are gilt Breguet hands, adding a touch of class to the overall design. The faded engine turned 18 carat open face case has an engine turned middle, adding a lovely decorative touch. The watch is wound and set through the gilt metal cuvette, and it comes with a short gold chain for easy wearing. The ratchet key is also a work of art, with intricate chasing and engraving on the gold. Overall, this timepiece is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and style. Anonymous Place of Origin: French Date of Manufacture: Circa1830 Diameter : 48 mm Condition: Good