Remontoir Cylindre 10 Rubis Pocket Watch Value Guide

This late Victorian Swiss pocket watch is a prime example of the transition to keyless winding technology, featuring a sophisticated cylinder escapement with ten functional jewel bearings. Its collectible appeal lies in the ornate combination of an 800 silver case and a decorative porcelain dial often embellished with hand-painted floral accents and gold-tone hands.

What affects the value of Remontoir Cylindre 10 Rubis Pocket Watch?

• The physical condition of the porcelain dial, as hairline cracks or chips significantly reduce the $185-$200 valuation.
• The presence and clarity of original Swiss silver hallmarks and '10 Rubis' movement markings.
• Mechanical functionality of the cylinder escapement and the integrity of the gold-tone handset.
• The level of preservation of the decorative enamel work and hand-painted floral accents on the watch face.

How to Identify Remontoir Cylindre 10 Rubis Pocket Watch?

• Check the movement for the 'Cylindre 10 Rubis' engraving, indicating the specific 10-jewel cylinder escapement.
• Look for '800' or Swiss grouse/pheasant hallmarks on the interior of the silver case to confirm metal purity.
• Examine the dial for a porcelain or enamel finish with characteristic late 19th-century floral motifs and gold-leaf detailing.
• Verify the 'Remontoir' keyless winding mechanism, which allows the watch to be wound via the crown rather than a separate key.

History of Remontoir Cylindre 10 Rubis Pocket Watch

Produced primarily in Switzerland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Remontoir pocket watches utilized a keyless winding system, a significant advancement over older key-wound models. The 'Cylindre 10 Rubis' designation indicates a cylinder escapement movement utilizing ten functional jewel bearings to reduce friction. These watches were often exported throughout Europe and were prized for their ornate aesthetic, featuring hand-painted enamel or porcelain dials often decorated with gold or silver leaf.