Swiss Louis Armand Gold Pocket Watch With Repeater, Circa 1900

A rare, museum-quality gold pocket watch featuring a quarter-hour repeater, a chronograph, and a full calendar, crafted by the Swiss watchmaker Louis Armand around 1900. The model was specially designed for the Russian market, as evidenced by the Russian-language calendar indications, the use of the Russian hallmarking system, and the original case bearing the mark of a St. Petersburg retailer.

The watch case and the original chain are made of gold with a fineness of 56 zolotniks according to the Russian system, corresponding to 14K gold. The movement features a quarter-hour repeater, a chronograph, a calendar displaying the date, day of the week, and month, as well as a moon phase. Such a combination of complications is characteristic of high-end custom-made watches intended for a wealthy clientele in the late 19th century.

The dial is designed in the classical tradition of Swiss watchmaking, featuring Roman numerals, subsidiary dials, and a balanced layout of the displays. The Russian-language calendar is a particularly significant feature, confirming that the watch was intended for the Russian Empire. The inner case back is engraved with medals from the 1895 International Exposition, attesting to the company’s prestige and recognition of its quality. The individual number “1845” is engraved on the case. The inscription “Locle” indicates that it was manufactured in Le Locle, one of the main centers of Swiss watchmaking.

The watch is preserved in its original case, bearing the mark of the St. Petersburg retailer Piotr Arkadievich Chuksanov, whose shop was located in Gostiny Dvor. The presence of the original case and chain significantly enhances the historical and collectible value of this set.

Hallmarks: Russian hallmark for gold with a fineness of 56 zolotniks; “14K” marking; “Locle” hallmark; individual number “1845”; engraved medals from the 1895 International Exhibition; retailer’s mark “P.A. Chuksanov, Saint Petersburg” inside the case.

Dimensions: Diameter 58.7 mm; height 1.84 mm. Chain length 30 cm.

Weight: Watch 144 g. Chain 27.8 g.

Condition: Good. The case and chain have a uniform and attractive patina, with no deformities. The covers close properly. The dial is well-preserved, with no significant losses. The movement is in working order.

Provenance: Private collection.

ID-ANTQ-12189