Gt Comptoir National d'Horlogerie - 40529 - 1850-1900

Gt Comptoir National d'Horlogerie - Besançon - Silver Pocket Watch - Louis XV - circa 1900

Exceptionally fine French mechanical pocket watch from the Belle Époque, circa 1900, by Gt Comptoir National d'Horlogerie of Besançon, one of the historical centers of French watchmaking. Inscribed Argent Fin (Fine Silver).

This pocket watch is distinguished mainly by its richly decorated white enamel dial. The combination of Roman numerals, Arabic minute markings, gold-colored ornaments, and finely worked hands gives the watch a pronounced classical appearance in the Louis XV style.

Also notable is the customary placement of the small seconds around 6 o’clock.

The case has a beautiful natural patina that suits the age of the watch.

Dial:
- Material: silver
- White enamel dial
- Roman numerals in separate cartouches
- Arabic minute markings along the outer edge
- Richly decorated with scrolls and gold-colored volutes
- Decoration in Louis XV style
- Small seconds placed eccentrically around 6 o’clock
- Finely worked and openworked hands
- Decorations and gilded details beautifully preserved
- Good legibility

Specifications:
- Brand/manufacturer: Gt Comptoir National d'Horlogerie
- Origin: Besançon, France
- Period: circa 1900
- Type: pocket watch
- Movement: mechanical
- Winding: hand-wound via crown
- Escapement: anchor
- Jewels: present
- Material: silver / bearing inscription ARGENT FIN. Content unknown.
- Case number: 49829
- Diameter: circa 42 mm, excluding crown and pendant
- Dial: white enamel, decorated
- Style: Louis XV
- Small seconds: eccentric around 6 o’clock
- Hands: finely worked and openworked

Movement and operation:

The watch is equipped with a traditional mechanical hand-wound movement with anchor escapement and jewels.

The watch is wound via the crown.

The watch functioned properly at the time of listing.

Given the age of the watch, no guarantee is given regarding accuracy, power reserve, or future operation.

Condition:

The watch is in attractive antique condition for its age. The case shows signs of use and a natural patina appropriate for a watch of about 125 years old.
- Dial in a lovely aesthetic condition
- Decorations and gilded elements well preserved
- Silver case with natural patina
- Movement complete and visually well-kept
- Inner cuvette present and correctly attached
- Hinge of the inner cuvette functions

Important – defect to the back cover:

The hinge of the outer back cover is broken.
As a result, the back cover does not stay attached to the case when opened and can come completely loose.

The back cover can be correctly placed back on the case and will stay in place in the closed position.

The inner cuvette that protects the movement is still attached to the case with its original hinge and functions properly.

This defect is explicitly mentioned and is visible in the photos.

A particularly fine French pocket watch from the Belle Époque, attractive due to the combination of the solid silver case, the richly decorated Louis XV dial, and especially the unusual position of the small seconds.

An interesting collectible for lovers of French horology, antique pocket watches, and decorative timepieces from around 1900.

The photos are an integral part of the description. Please study them carefully for a good impression of the dial, case, silver quality, the movement, and especially the state of the hinge on the back cover.

Carefully packed and insured shipping.