Courvoisier & Houriet Pocket Watch
Stock No. 1954
Courvoisier & Houriet
Paris, c1790
Gold case, 45 mm.
Verge escapement
Sold
An excellent quality Paris gold watch, by an important maker, with an unusual verge movement and particularly fine case.
MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with very unusual balance bridge and regulator, four round pillars and blued steel screws.
Signed “Courvoisier & Houriet A PARIS” and numbered 47129.
In excellent condition and running well.
DIAL : Original signed white enamel dial. In excellent condition with no visible damage.
Fine English style gold beetle and poker hands.
CASE : A beautiful gold case in excellent condition. Marked on the inside with case number 7128 and French gold mark (3 chevrons). Maker’s mark PIG below a crown. Tests as very high carat gold.
The case is beautifully made with a hidden hinge and a sprung hidden catch. The bezel opens by pressing the stem.
The hinges are fine and the very high dome crystal is undamaged (there is a small blemish to the crystal at 2 but this is original to the glass and not damage).
The gold is in good condition with just light scratches to the back. No significant wear to the stem or bow.
The partnership of David Courvoisier and Jacques Frederic Houriet was active between 1775 and 1804.
Jacques Frederic Houriet is a notable figure in Swiss horology, and was one of the great horological geniuses from Neuchâtel.
REFERENCE : “Frédéric Houriet, The Father of Swiss Chronometry” by Jean-Claude Sabrier.