Swiss silver Louis XVI style watch with relief case Circa 1890

Silver repoussé pocket watch
–
A Louis XVI style pocket watch made for Spaulding & Co., the famous retailer from Chicago, USA, by Patek, Philippe in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1890. The numbered open faced case of this watch, which was crafted from silver, has a St. George and the Dragon relief on the back lid. The original oxidized silver dial has white enamelled cartouches with blue Roman hour numerals, outer blue minute divisions on a white enamel chapter ring, a decoratively chased and engraved center, and steel spade hands. The numbered movement has a moustache lever escapement and Geneva striping decoration.
Dust cover and movement are signed.
–
Diameter: 34 mm
–
Weight: 42 g
–
Signed: Spaulding & Co.
–
This timepiece comes with an Extract from the Archives dated 2023. These watches were made in silver and gold, and in two sizes: ∅ 48 mm and 34 mm. The large version has achieved prices of more than CHF 15.000 in the silver case and more than CHF 23.000 in the gold case. Its smaller “sister”, as presented here, is only offered extremely rarely.
–
Spaulding
Henry Abiram Spaulding, a celebrated jeweller, was born in New York City in 1837. His father, Dr. Abiram Spaulding, left his career in jewellery to pursue medicine. The Spaulding lineage extends deep into American history with roots tracing back to Edward Spaulding who settled in Massachusetts in the early 1630s.

Henry started his professional journey in Chicago, initially working for firms like Olmstead & Co. and Williams, Case & Rhodes, before becoming a part of the esteemed Ball, Black & Co. in New York. His formidable skills earned him a position at Tiffany & Co., where he became their representative in Europe. During this time, he gained exceptional access to royal collections and established meaningful ties with European nobility.

In 1888, Henry founded Spaulding & Co. in Chicago, evolving it into a prominent jewellery business comparable to Tiffany’s stature in New York. His achievements were fueled by his networks and his zeal for advancing refined jewelry aesthetics. Besides his business success, Henry played a significant role as a commissioner for Illinois at the World’s Exposition in Paris in 1889, thereby contributing to Chicago’s growth and its reputation as a major commercial hub.

He was married to Cornelia Russell and cherished family life while vigorously championing Chicago’s emergence as an influential metropolis.