Antique 18K Gold Pocket Watch with Enamel & Diamonds - Switzerland c.1850

Antique 18K Gold Pocket Watch with Enamel and Diamonds. Switzerland, circa 1850 This antique Swiss pocket watch in solid 18K gold, made around 1850, is an exceptional piece that combines the most exquisite craftsmanship of the period with a timeless elegance that still impresses today. Its case, made entirely of high European gold, reveals from the first moment the quality of the workshop that produced it. On the surface, a deep black enamel of admirable preservation serves as the perfect background for the floral gold motifs and the old cut diamonds that decorate both sides of the piece. Every petal, every bouquet and every ornate detail were executed with the refinement typical of the finest watchmaker artists of the period. The octagonal design inscribed within the circular form, framed by geometric grecques and engraved borders, is characteristic of Swiss taste in the mid nineteenth century. Upon opening the watch, the beauty continues. The silvered guilloché dial shows meticulous metalwork. The gilt rocaille and scroll motifs stand out over the satin surface, creating plays of light that shift with every movement. The black Roman numerals provide perfect balance, while the blued steel hands add an unmistakable touch of distinction. Inside the case appear the period gold hallmarks and the number 30158. The movement is, without doubt, one of the great protagonists. Signed “Chs. H. Grosclaude and Cie - Fleurier”, it belongs to a lineage of Swiss watchmakers renowned for producing high grade work before the industrial era. The long bridges, the lever escapement, the blued screws and the carefully decorated plate reveal the hand of a workshop that catered to a demanding clientele of high purchasing power. The watch runs very well and keeps time with notable precision, a living testament to its original quality. Within the enamel and diamond decoration, two small diamond losses can be observed, clearly visible in the photographs, which have been taken with a high level of magnification. These are minor details, entirely understandable in a piece that has surpassed 170 years of age, and they do not detract from the extraordinary visual impact of the watch, which appears far more harmonious and balanced when seen in hand. Additionally, the key included for winding the watch is modern and slightly thicker than period keys, meaning it does not pass through the openings of the dust cover and the latter must be lifted in order to wind and set the watch. This detail does not affect the functioning of the timepiece in any way. A period key of the correct gauge would fit perfectly, although none is currently available. Overall, this is a magnificent watch, remarkably well preserved. This wonderful piece will stand as a splendid highlight within a collection of fine historical horology. The truth is that watches like this do not appear frequently. Its combination of gold, enamel, diamonds and a signed movement makes it an exceptional opportunity. Acquiring such a watch is to invest in a legacy of refinement and beauty that transcends generations. A piece capable of moving and inspiring emotion, becoming an unforgettable gift or the perfect cornerstone of a collection one wishes to elevate to another level. History of Grosclaude and Cie:- The history of the Grosclaude surname is closely linked to the development of high watchmaking in the Neuchâtel region, one of the historical epicenters of Swiss horological production. From the late eighteenth century and throughout much of the nineteenth century, several members of the family worked as master watchmakers in Neuchâtel, La Chaux de Fonds and Fleurier, three towns that became key centers of innovation and technical excellence. The Grosclaude firms, both individually and under the name Grosclaude and Cie, appear documented on high grade watches intended for export, especially to France, Russia and Eastern markets, where there was a growing demand for luxurious pieces with enamel and diamond decoration. The Grosclaude workshop specialized in fine movements characterized by stylized bridges, blued screws, carefully polished finishes and highly precise escapements. Many of these movements were later cased by artisans specialized in gold and enamel, giving rise to pieces as elaborate as the one presented here. During the period between 1840 and 1860, Fleurier experienced a true golden age, producing watches that combined mechanical precision with exceptional aesthetic refinement. It was precisely in those years that Grosclaude and Cie signed some of their most accomplished movements. The piece described here fits perfectly within that historical context. The cursive signature, the structure of the movement and the exterior ornamentation coincide with works made around 1850, a moment when Swiss artisanal watchmaking reached one of its highest points before the arrival of industrial production. Giving this watch a new home is in a way preserving a significant part of European horological history and continuing a legacy of precision, art and beauty.