Antique G. G. Huguenin Pocket Watch. A. Huguenin. 18K gold. Switzerland, 1870

Gorgeous antique 18-carat gold pocket watch with hand-engraved casing and in good working order. The watch is signed by G. A. Huguenin and was made in Switzerland in the 19th century (1870). It stands out for the impressive hand-engraved decoration of the case and for all the details that embellish it. The watch works perfectly and comes with its original winding key; in the piece that connects the crown and the case we can see a hallmark with a capercaillie that identifies Swiss goldsmith and silversmith pieces. The front cap is made of gold and is decorated with a series of concentric fringes composed of abstract and vegetal details surrounding a felines head; the work of the engraver is really spectacular. The rear cap is similar but in this case, instead of an animals head there is a small bunch of flowers. Both caps bear marks with the golds caratas (18K), the initials DB and the serial number 42610. Under the front cap we can see the ancient silver and gold face with black Roman numbers, and the rear cap hides a fine dustcap with lovely engraved inscriptions in different types of lettering. Among them the manufacturers signature stands out; it is engraved in the movement too, together with the serial number stated before. This fine gold pocket watch will shine in the best collection, or as part of the outfit of a stylish gentleman. Medidas: Ancho: 49 mm. Alto (con Corona): 59 mm.G.A. Huguenin et Fils History The Swiss company G. A. Huguenin et Fils started out in 1857, when Fritz Huguenin founded a company together with his brother Albert to decorate pocket watch cases. In 1888 began to manufacture medals and engraved plates too. The Huguenin brothers specialized in nielloed-silver pieces. In 1899 the firm moved to a new location in Route Bellevue, 32, Le Locle. In the early 20th century, the company was taken over by the three sons of Fritz Huguenin Huguenin (Georges-Fritz, Henri-Edouard y Paul-Auguste): in 1013 they registered the Nielaschef brand name. In 1932 the company changed its name for Huguenin Frères & Cie, and in 1955 the branch dedicated to the manufacture of watch cases was sold to another company. Then the companys relationship with the watchmaking industry came to an end; from then on and to our days, Huguenin just makes medals, trophies and insignias.