Antique 18K Gold Pocket Watch, Quarter Repeater and Chronograph, Switzerland c. 1900

Antique 18K Gold Pocket Watch with Quarter Repeater and Chronograph, Switzerland ca. 1900

The watch we present today is a true gem of late 19th-century Swiss watchmaking, a magnificent and rare 18K solid gold pocket watch, featuring a quarter repeater and chronograph function, signed by the renowned National Watch Co., Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, circa 1900.

The exterior is in excellent condition, with a classic 18K triple-hinged hunter case, clearly hallmarked inside with the "18K" purity mark and serial number 3772. The front cover opens with a push button, revealing an elegant white enamel dial with black slanted Arabic numerals and a small seconds subdial at six o'clock. The hands are finely pierced in the Louis XV style, perfectly in tune with the overall design. The domed crystal is clear and unmarred, providing a crisp and refined reading of the time.

The back case bears a delicate engraved inscription, Répétition, Half-Chronometer, National Watch Co., Chaux-de-Fonds, Chronographe. This engraving proudly indicates the presence of two of the most valued complications among seasoned collectors, the chronograph and the quarter repeater. The latter chimes the hours and quarters with a finely tuned acoustic mechanism when the side pusher is activated. The sound is clear and resonant, a delight that recalls the technical mastery of Swiss makers at the turn of the century.

Inside, the final cover reveals a beautifully arranged movement with golden bridges and polished steel wheels, finely finished and skillfully assembled. The watch runs accurately and sets properly, demonstrating its excellent condition even after more than 120 years.

This piece is a masterful combination of mechanical precision and aesthetic elegance, worthy of inclusion in any top-tier Swiss watch collection. It is ideal for wearing on special occasions or as the centerpiece of a high-end timepiece collection. Its rarity, noble materials and complex mechanics also make it an outstanding investment opportunity.

This is a distinguished and singular watch that holds not only time, but also the history and craftsmanship of an unforgettable era. It would look stunning as the highlight of a curated antique watch collection or displayed in a personal showcase.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to acquire a mechanical masterpiece with history and soul.

Dimensions: 55 mm (2.17 in). Weight: 97.7 grams.

History of National Watch Co.

National Watch Co. was a Swiss firm based in Chaux-de-Fonds, one of the historical epicenters of global watchmaking. Founded in the late 19th century, the company adopted an English name as a strategic move to target Anglo markets like the United States and the United Kingdom, where demand for quality Swiss watches was booming.

The company focused mainly on pocket watches with mechanical complications, aimed at a discerning and cultured clientele. It was part of a new wave of manufacturers combining semi-industrial production methods with the traditional hand-finishing of high-end timepieces. Watches bearing the National Watch Co. signature often included rare complications such as chronographs or repeaters, making them highly sought after by collectors today. In addition to producing its own pieces, the firm collaborated with established movement makers in La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle. The results were technically sophisticated and visually refined watches, with solid gold cases, high-quality enamel dials and beautifully engraved movements.

Production under the National Watch Co. name ceased in the early 20th century, likely due to absorption into a larger brand as the Swiss watch industry consolidated. Nevertheless, its legacy lives on through its elegant, technically advanced and historically significant pieces, now prized by knowledgeable collectors worldwide.