Antique Jean Francois Bautte & Co. Swiss 18K Gold Diamond Enamel Pocket Watch

NO PERSONAL MONOGRAMS OR ENGRAVINGS,
HAS BEEN TESTED FOR OVER ONE WEEK OF WORKING CONDITION,
BUT IS RUNNING ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES SLOW
PER EACH 24 HOUR PERIOD AND IT MAY OCCASSIONALY
START AND STOP IF WOUND TOO TIGHT

As stated above, this watch has been tested and monitored for over one week of very solid, working condition, but it is running 5-10 minutes slow for each 24 hour period and it may start and stop if wound too tight.  It is not overwound, the balance moves freely, hands adjust works as it should and the second hand follows along as well.


Exterior of the case shows typical wear, including light marks, scratches, light soiling and tarnish as it has not been cleaned thoroughly but has been wiped down, and a larger chip on the front edge in the enamel.  The top cover does have a push button open feature at the top of the jewel, but it is fully depressed and not working.  Cover does close securely, but needs to be opened by hand, while back cover closes securely, as well.  Porcelain dial is clean, and shows no visible signs of cracks.  The crystal is acrylic plastic and was replaced at some point.  Movement is very clean will little signs of tarnish.  No diamonds are missing from the top cover.


The matching chain is in the design of a necklace, and we are unsure if this was how it was meant to be or was at some point refashioned from a pocket watch chain into a necklace.  It shows typical wear, including light marks, scratches, and a few of the links do have light to big chips in the enamel surface.  The watch clip was at some point replaced, is more modern, and tested at 14K gold.  Chain includes the original enameled winding key attached to a secondary smaller chain.  It also includes 4 loose larger links, but does not include the round smaller connecting links.

It is clearly etched on the inside of the secondary back case cover in French, RASSEL & HILS SUCC RS DE J.F. BAUTTE & CE GENEVE AIGUILLES NO. 79786 ECHAPPEMENT A CYLINDRE (cylinder exhaust) HUIT TROUS EN RUBIS (8 Jewels).  It is not marked anywhere else that we can see on the watch or chain, nor it is marked with a metal purity. 


It has been professionally X-Ray tested with the case, chain, and extra links testing at 18K gold.  The replaced watch clip, as stated above, tested at 14K gold.  The 29 total diamonds set in the front cover have been tested with a Gemlogis Ciel tester and confirm diamonds.  They were measured with a gemstone gauge tool at approximately 0.70 ctw, with the smallest at 0.01 ct and the largest at 0.10 ct.

PLEASE NOTE:  We are not watch experts or graders, but have done our absolute honest best to describe this watch in its condition and operation.  Although this watch is currently working, it should immediately be professionally serviced as it has not been continuously used in many years.  Over the years we have sold a number of high quality, collectible watches here on eBay with 100% buyer approval.  We kindly request that all questions be asked prior to making a commitment to purchase, not after.  Thank you!

This is an absolutely beautiful and stunning watch!  A certain museum quality piece, in which The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has 4 examples from this maker in their collection!  Would be a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection of very fine and important watches!


DON'T MISS OUT!


Would make a great gift idea for that special someone you know, too!

We kindly request that all questions be asked prior to purchasing.

You will be receiving the exact item being offered here in AS-IS condition.