Swiss rose gold hunting cased anker chronometer Circa 1890

Rose gold and silver niëllo watch by B. Haas Jne
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A very fine Swiss rose gold and silver hunting cased anker chronometer pocket watch, circa 1890. The high quality anker chronometer movement with Geneva striping decoration, wolf’s toothing and a large chronometer balance. White enamel dial with black Arabic hours, red Arabic minutes and seconds, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and rose gold hands. The case with very elaborate and high quality decoration, the hinges and inlays of this watch are made of solid rose gold and not only gilt. Case signed and numbered, case and movement with matching numbers.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 126 g
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Signed: B. Haas Jne & Cie Genève
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In 1848, brothers Benjamin Haas (1829-1925) and Leopold Haas (1827-1915) established the company B. Haas or B. Haas & Cie, later officially known as Ancienne Manufacture de Montres Haas & Cie. Based in Geneva, the Haas house gained renown for producing exceptional watches that still hold a modern appeal today. The Haas watch manufacturer was known for its unique and exclusive pieces, including rare treasures like double chronographs and wristwatches. The company’s outstanding principle was the fusion of simplicity, technology and elegance. With branches in New York, Paris, Cannes and Besançon, the company was headquartered in Geneva at 5 Quai de Montblanc.
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English Patent No. 3945 was awarded to Benjamin Haas on December 2, 1873, for a new and unusual form of winding that utilized the energy generated when the front cover of a hunter case was closed. This innovative system was used by other watchmakers such as Humbert-Ramuz & Co and Louis Frédéric Lebet for a fee. Haas improved the original system and equipped his watch with a 36 hour power reserve by closing the lid twelve times. He replaced the flying barrel with an additional wheel, enabling a three hour wind by simply closing the lid. Haas also invented a safety device that disengaged the mechanism when fully wound, preventing damage to the lid.
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The company name was later changed to B. Haas Jeune & Cie, and in 1884, it became Haas Neveux & Cie, reflecting the inclusion of new family members in the business. Concurrently, the original logo BH & Co was replaced with a small running rabbit, symbolizing the dynamism of the company under the letters HNC. In 1896, the company achieved a record with an ultra thin movement (2 mm) for a women’s watch. Additionally, Swiss patent No. 4230 was received by B. Haas Jeune & Cie (Paris) and Gustave Trouve Ingenieure und Elektrotiker in 1891 for the illumination of dials of pocket watches and pendulums.
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Both Benjamin and Leopold Haas were honoured as Knights of the Legion of Honor.