
Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
Ladies Pendant Le Roy Enamel Gold French Pocket Watch, 1890
- Maker / attribution
- Le Roy (maker)
- Date
- 1890
- Historical period
- Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Materials / technique
- gold, enamel
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 4804
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4804)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Ladies Pendant Le Roy Enamel Gold French 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 4804), this is a pocket watch by Le Roy, made in France, dated 1890. The Atlas places it in the Industrial Revolution period (1850 – 1900) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold, enamel. 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
The Ladies Pendant Le Roy Enamel Gold French Pocket Watch from 1890 is a captivating artifact that beautifully encapsulates the elegance and sophistication of late 19th-century French craftsmanship. This exquisite timepiece, crafted by the renowned Julien Le Roy, is a testament to the artistry and precision that defined the era. Encased in a stunning painted enamel gold, the watch boasts a silver guilloche dial that is not only rare but also preserved in exceptional condition, making it a standout piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The watch is more than just a functional object; it is a piece of jewelry that would have graced the neck of a lady from high society, reflecting her status and taste. Although the chain or cord is not included, the watch retains its allure and can still be worn as a pendant, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its original owner. It comes housed in its original red box, further enhancing its desirability and collectability. The inner cover is inscribed with the full name of Le Roy, along with the phrase “Eleve de Breguet, a Paris, 21808 Aiguilles,” and is matched by the case number 21080, underscoring its authenticity and historical significance. Weighing 20.2 grams and with a diameter of 35mm, this pocket watch is not only a functional timepiece but also a cherished gem that embodies the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance of its time. This Le Roy ladies pocket watch pendant is a truly remarkable piece. Made in France, it features a stunning painted enamel gold case in exceptional condition. The silver guilloche dial adds to its elegance and is extremely rare to find in such excellent condition for a watch of this age. The craftsmanship and attention to detail on both the watch and the painting are of the highest quality. This pocket watch is not just a timepiece, but a piece of jewelry that would have been worn by a woman of high society. It can still be worn as a pendant on a chain or cord, however, these are not included in this lot. The watch comes in its original red box, adding to its collectability. The inner cover bears the full name of Le Roy, with the additional inscription “Eleve de Breguet, a Paris, 21808 Aiguilles.” The matching number on the case is 21080. This pocket watch dates back to around 1890 and would be a truly precious addition to any watch or jewelry collection. It weighs 20.2 grams (0.71 oz) and has a diameter of 35mm (1.2 inches). This Le Roy ladies painted enamel gold pocket watch is a true gem that showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of its time. Creator: Julien Le Roy Case Material: Gold,Enamel Weight: 0.71 t oz Case Shape: Round Case Dimensions: Diameter: 30.48 mm (1.2 in) Place of Origin: France Period: Late 19th Century Date of Manufacture: 1890 Condition: Fair.
Historical context
Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)
American interchangeable-parts manufacture; railroad time standards; Swiss and German factory systems.
Machine production with interchangeable parts, pioneered by Waltham (1850s) and adopted by Elgin, Longines, Omega and others, made reliable lever watches widely affordable. Keyless winding became standard, railroad watch standards were introduced (1890s), and Swiss and American industries competed globally.
Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Precision & Scientific 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.
Read next:Verge escapementDetached lever escapementFuseeIdentification Centre
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