Swiss gold half hunter repeating pocket watch Circa 1890

Gold watch made for the Indian market
–
A fine Swiss minute repeating half hunting cased watch made for the Indian market, circa 1890.
An 18 carat gold pocket watch, enamel dial, bridge movement, screw compensation balance.
–
Diameter: 52 mm
–
Weight: 113 g
–
Signed:  LeCoultre & Co, Weber & Schenck
–
LeCoultre & Cie did not engage in a partnership or corporate merger with Weber & Schenck. Historical records show that Weber & Schenck was an independent Swiss watch case maker (fabricant de boîtes de montres) operating out of Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, during the late 19th and early 20^th centuries.

Weber & Schenck acted primarily as the retailer and importer, not the original manufacturer.

To clarify how the product came together:

– The Movement: LeCoultre & Cie. manufactured the intricate, high quality internal

movement (ébauche) in Switzerland.

– The Assembly: Depending on the specific commission, the watch was either

completely assembled in Switzerland to Weber & Schenck’s specifications or

the Swiss components were sent to be finished and cased.

The Retail: Weber & Schenck – a prominent colonial era trading firm and retailer based in regions like Secunderabad, India – imported these high end European luxury items. They custom-stamped or engraved their own company name onto the dials or cases and retailed them to wealthy clientele, high-ranking military officials, and regional royals (such as the Nizam’s circle).