Swiss 18K gold repeating Sonnerie pocket watch Circa 1900

Gold open faced minute repeating lever watch
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A Swiss 18 carat yellow gold open faced minute repeating pocket watch with Petite and Grande Sonnerie made by Invar, early 20th century. It has a hand wound mechanical movement with a straight line lever escapement, 29 jewels, a cut bimetallic balance spring with compensation, an advance/delay adjustment rack, chatonné jewels, a double barrel with winding tandem, and a two hammer gong striking mechanism, signed Invar. The white enamel dial, also signed Invar, shows stylised Arabic numerals for the hours, a minute track, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and spade hands. The round 18 carat yellow gold case has a smooth back. The case band and flanges are decorated with foliate and stylised motifs. It includes a safety catch for the Petite and Grande Sonnerie and Silence functions, as well as a repeater release. The gold cuvette is signed Invar.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Weight: 122.6 g
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Signed: Invar
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Invar was a trade name used by Achille Hirsch in La Chaux-de-Fonds, registered on November 8, 1902. This trademark was reserved for high quality watches like this example, which features a minute repeater with Petite and Grande Sonnerie. The striking can be activated on passage or on demand, depending on the cursor’s position on the edge, with a silent option available. The decoration on the edge suggests it might have been made for the Hispanic market. This piece is similar to a watch delivered to Joya Jeweller in Mexico City in 1895, which was sold at Christie’s on December 16, 2011.