Pullman Gallery
Categories

18ct Gold Motoring Pocket Watch by Vulcain, 1906-1908

Price Code: ££££

Please note that all our quoted prices are subject to UK VAT (Sales Tax), currently at 20% (if applicable).

£ = up to £2,000
££ = £2,000 - £6,000
£££ = £6,000 - £12,000
££££ = £12,000 - £25,000
£££££ = £25,000 and over

To request specific prices, please email quoting the item reference number, to gallery@pullmangallery.com, or complete the Contact Form for multiple information requests.

Reference: 6998

Vulcain ‘The Watch for Presidents’

A very special, solid 18ct gold, diamond set Full Hunter pocket watch, made by Swiss watchmaker Vulcain for renowned Indian jewellers Marcks & Co., circa 1906-1908. The Vulcain company was formed in 1858 and was the inventor of the alarm complication for wristwatches. This innovation caught the attention of the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman (1935-1945) and earned the brand the reputation as ‘The watch for Presidents’. Marcks & Co. Ltd of Bombay & Poona were artisans of the highest regard and specialized in precious jewellery and watches for the Indian elite of the day, including the Maharajas and landowners.

The hinged 18ct gold cover to the watch face is opens via the pumpkin-shaped winder and features a beautifully detailed scene in relief of a French motorcar of similar era, with driver and two passengers on a lakeside drive. The car has headlights created by two large set diamonds, and beneath the radiator on the number plate is the signature for Huguenin Frères, esteemed Swiss jewellers, medallists, and specialists in the niello watch case decorating technique, popular in the late 19th Century. The silvered dial of 40mm diameter has an engine turned inner, and black Roman numerals and chemin de fer chapter ring, and is signed MARCKS & Co. LTD, BOMBAY & POONA, SWISS MADE. The cuvette is engraved with eight medallions and LEVEES VISIBLES DOUBLE PLATEAU SPIRAL BREGUET COMPENSATEUR 15 RUBIS, Swiss marks for 18ct gold, and the movement is decorated with the the ‘Côtes de Genève’.

Weight: 64.9g gross.
Dial: 40mm

The pocket watch is complete with a burgundy glazed calfskin presentation case, with removable red velvet-lined easel-stand, perfect for display.

All images and text copyright © Pullman Gallery Ltd. 2023







      Related Items