Early 19thc Swiss repeating cylinder

Stock No. 1723

Godemar Freres
Geneva, c1820
Gold case, 48 mm.
Cylinder escapement, quarter repeating

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An early 19th century Swiss gold watch, with quarter repeat.

MOVEMENT : A gilt movement with cylinder escapement and gilt balance wheel.

Quarter repeating with two polished steel hammers striking two steel gongs.

The quarter repeating function is activated by pushing down the stem. This strikes once for each hour and then twice for each quarter. Good tone to the chimes.

The movement is in good condition, and is running well and repeating correctly. If the stem is pushed down too firmly, then it occasionally strikes an extra hour, but only if pressed down hard.

DIAL : White enamel dial. In excellent condition, with just one very faint short hairline on the edge at 8.

Gold serpentine hands. Old repairs to the hour.

CASE : The gold case has engine turning to the back, and engraved with a family crest on the back. The inside of the cover is stamped with a case numbewr ‘1928’ and a maker’s mark ‘LH’. A slider on the band at 2 disables the repeat function.

The inner gilt cuvette is signed ‘Godemar Fres.”.

The case is in very good condition, with just a few light scratches. It tests as high carat gold (at least 14ct.)

The crystal has a few light scratches but no chips or other damage.

All hinges are fine and the bezel, back cover and cuvette all close correctly.

The motto with the crest reads “VILIUS VIRTUTIBUS AURUM’, translated as ‘Gold is worth less than virtue’.

Godemar Freres are listed in Geneva between 1814 and 1824..