French watch silver relief housing with Jesus cross Circa 1880

Pocket watch for Catholic priests
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An extremely rare pocket watch for Catholic priests, made by Henri-Paul Ratel, Horloger Bte. De NSP le Pape, 53 rue Monsieur le Prince in Paris, France, circa 1880. This silver relief housing watch features a Jesus cross on the back and an inscribed middle section in Latin.
What sets this timepiece apart is its signed enamel dial, which showcases church events assigned to specific times. The pointer train is also worth noting, as it includes an additional golden hour hand that moves at a consistent 2 hour interval ahead of actual time. This feature may seem puzzling at first, but it serves a practical purpose. It allows the wearer to keep track of two different time zones simultaneously, making it an ideal watch for frequent travelers. This feature adds a religious touch to the watch, making it a meaningful piece for those who cherish their faith.

The watch is powered by a cylinder movement, which is known for its compact size and reliability.
The dust cover and dial are signed.
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Diameter: 46 mm
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Weight: 81 g
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Signed: Ratel
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Only a few pieces, such as the one presented here, are known to exist.
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Ratel
Henri-Paul Ratel was a Parisian watchmaker and jeweler who operated from the mid 19^th century until approximately 1920. He is best known for his religious themed timepieces and his prestigious appointment as an official watchmaker to the Pope. Ratel was born in Paris on May 4, 1850. His workshop, Ratel et Cie, was active roughly between 1850 and 1920, though some sources suggest the firm’s roots in Paris date back as early as 1820.
After Henri-Paul’s death in 1906, his widow, Marie-Julie Labitte and his heirs continued to manage the business at 53 Rue Monsieur le Prince. During this period until 1914, it maintained its reputation as a prestigious religious jeweler and watchmaker, likely fulfilling existing orders for the “Hora Christi” watches.
By the early 1920’s, the firm of Ratel et Cie no longer appeared in primary Parisian horological trade directories as an active manufacturer. The workshop likely dissolved or was sold during this window as the family moved on from the business.