History

In 1870, its mastery of precision engineering allowed LeCoultre & Cie to revolutionise watchmaking by making small runs of calibres with complications. New manufacturing methods allowed great strides to be made in the reliability of complication watches. The Manufacture soon became renowned for its minute repeaters. In just a few decades it brought out over 200 different calibres with this classic complication, one of the most sophisticated in the sector. Created at the turn of the 1890s, the hunter pocket watch being auctioned by Artcurial houses the 33-jewel LeCoultre 19RVS calibre in its finely guilloché-worked pink-gold case. Made in nickel silver, the minute repeater movement has an escapement in the grand tradition: bimetallic cut balance wheel, precision end curves, double plate, visible levers, and straight-line lever escapement. The engraved back opens to reveal the classically decorated movement protected by a very fine domed glass: Côtes de Genève, angled bridges and screws, and mirror-polished gongs. The visible winding crown is distinguished by its wolf teeth gears. The grand feu enamel dial bears painted Roman and Arabic numerals. The gilded hands are in Louis XVI style.