Gold Hunter by Nicole Nielsen, 1858

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

This is a mid-19th century English duplex watch created by Nicole Nielsen. It features a stunning gold half hunter case. The watch has a gilt three-quarter plate keyless movement with Nicole’s patent winding. The engraved cock has a polished steel regulator, and the compensation balance boasts a blue steel overcoil hairspring. The watch also has a duplex escapement, brass escape wheel, and jeweled locking roller and pivots with endstones. The dial is signed and made of white enamel with Roman numerals, complemented by blue steel half hunter hands. The case is an 18 carat full hunter case, with an engine turned middle and an unusual gold clip that retains the front hunter cover. The central circular cartouche also has a small engraved monogram. The back of the case has a clip with the maker’s mark “AN” in an oval, as well as a number that corresponds to the one on the movement. The watch is further distinguished by its unique gold winding crown and bow. Overall, this timepiece is in excellent condition, with crisp engine turning. Nicole Nielsen was a prominent watch manufacturer in the 19th century, supplying many renowned watchmaking firms. Their timepieces were not only popular in England but also in other countries such as Australia and the United States, with Tiffanys being one of their main customers. Adolphe Nicole, the founder, patented the keyless winding mechanism in 1844 under number 10,348. Signed Hallmarked London Date of Manufacture: 1858 Diameter: 42 mm Condition: Good