Geneva, Nov 09, 2025

LOT 653

HENRI BARBEZAT-BÔLE, SWITZERLAND, EBAUCHE PROBABLY MADE BY LOUIS-ELISÉE PIGUET, GRANDE ET PETITE SONNERIE, CLOCK-WATCH, QUARTER-REPEATER WITH TWO STRIKING ENAMEL SWISS GUARD AUTOMATON, 18K YELLOW GOLD

CHF 50,000 - 100,000

HKD 486,000 - 980,000 / USD 63,000 - 126,000 / EUR 54,000 - 108,000 / JPY 9,490,000 - 18,970,000

An extremely fine, large and rare, 18k yellow gold, manual wind open-face, keyless pocket watch, petite et grande sonnerie quarter repeater automaton. Two Jacquemarts (Jacks) in enamel dressed in colorful renaissance style costumes inspired by swiss guards. Underneath these two personages, enameled with stylized floral motifs in blue and pink. Grande Sonnerie et petite sonnerie position lever on the side of the case at 3 o'clock and position lever at 9 o'clock for striking or silent.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view
Image Image Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Henri Barbezat-Bôle, Switzerland

Year Circa 1900

Movement No. 2196

Case No. 2196

Diameter 65 mm.

Caliber 57 mm., 34 jewels, (ebauche probably by Louis-Elisée Piguet, le Brassus, Vallée de Joux), rhodium-plated, gold screwed-chatons (setting), straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws and blued steel hairspring with terminal curve, polished steel index regulator; repeater work on the main plate, under the dial, with patented silent centrifugal force governor to regulate the speed of the repetition mechanism.

Weight 278 gr.

Signature Movement hallmark HBB

Notes

Henri Barbezat-Bôle (1851–1921) was a Swiss watchmaker renowned for his high-precision timepieces, including minute repeaters and marine chronometers. He founded H. Barbezat-Bôle S.A. in Le Locle, in the heart of Swiss watchmaking.

Career and Specialization

  • Brother of Charles Barbezat-Baillot, founder of the brand Le Phare.

  • Specialized in complicated watches: minute repeaters, marine chronometers, and striking watches with four hammers on four gongs, producing rare chimes like Westminster or “God Save the King.”

Achievements and Innovations

  • In 1923, the company won the International Observatory Prize, along with five individual awards and one series award.

  • Registered the trademark “three crossed hammers” in 1897 for watches and components.

Merger with Paul Buhré

  • In 1923, H. Barbezat-Bôle merged with Paul Buhré SA, forming Paul Buhré & H. Barbezat-Bôle SA, which expanded its international reach, especially in Asia and Russia.

Legacy

  • Today, H. Barbezat-Bôle watches are prized collector’s items, representing Swiss watchmaking excellence from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.