“Bailly à Figeac” – A French Horological Treasure in Silver, Attributed to Clément Bailly - 1850-1900

Antique French Silver Pocket Watch – “Bailly à Figeac”, Attributed to Clément Bailly – Key-Wound Movement – 85.7 g – With Winding Key and Carved Wooden Stand

An attractive antique French pocket watch bearing the dial signature “Bailly à Figeac”, accompanied by its original-style winding key and a beautifully carved wooden display stand.

This charming timepiece features a white enamel dial with elegant black Roman numerals, delicate decorative hands and a silver case with an engraved ornamental design on the outer back. Its classical appearance and traditional mechanical construction make it an appealing object for collectors of antique horology.

The signature “Bailly à Figeac” is of particular interest. The watch is likely associated with the historic Bailly watchmaking name of Figeac, possibly Clément Bailly, although the precise attribution has not been conclusively established. The signature provides an intriguing link to French regional watchmaking and adds historical interest to the piece.

Case, Hallmarks and Movement

The silver case bears a French crab hallmark, associated with silver of 800/1000 fineness on small articles, together with a lozenge-shaped maker's mark bearing the initials JS.

The outer case back is decorated with an engraved ornamental motif surrounding a central cartouche. The interior reveals a traditional mechanical movement with brass plates and bridges, characteristic of historical key-wound pocket watches.

The watch is supplied with a winding key. The movement is reported to be working.

Specifications

- Type: Antique pocket watch
- Dial signature: Bailly à Figeac
- Attribution: Possibly Clément Bailly, Figeac
- Case material: Silver, bearing a French crab hallmark
- Silver fineness: 800/1000, as indicated by the hallmark identification
- Total watch weight: 85.7 g, excluding the wooden stand
- Case diameter: Approximately 48 mm
- Movement: Mechanical, key-wound
- Dial: White enamel with black Roman numerals
- Accessories: Winding key and carved wooden display stand
- Condition: Antique condition, with visible signs of age and use
- Working condition: Reported to be working

Condition

The watch presents an attractive aged appearance, with visible patina and signs of wear consistent with an antique object. The dial, case, movement and accessories are shown in the photographs.

The movement is reported to be working; however, its timekeeping accuracy, power reserve and recent service history have not been independently verified.

The carved wooden stand provides an elegant way to display the watch and enhances its decorative appeal.

A Characterful Piece of French Horological History

Combining a signed dial, a silver case, a traditional key-wound mechanical movement and a carved wooden stand, this pocket watch offers a distinctive combination of horological and decorative interest.

Its association with the name Bailly à Figeac makes it particularly appealing to collectors interested in antique French watches and regional watchmaking history.