Antiquorum Auctioneers since 1974

Geneva, May 10, 2026

LOT 353

HENRY MOSER & CIE, SWITZERLAND, COMMEMORATIVE WATCH MADE FOR THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NOBEL BROTHERS' OIL COMPANY, MINUTE REPEATER, MADE FOR THE RUSSIAN MARKET, 18K YELLOW GOLD

CHF 15,000 - 25,000

HKD 150,000 - 248,000 / USD 19,000 - 31,700 / EUR 16,300 - 27,100 / JPY 3,030,000 - 5,040,000

Sold: CHF 22,500

A very fine, rare and important, 18k yellow gold, enamel and diamonds, manual wind large hunting case pocket watch with minute repeating movement. The outer front cover is magnificently enameled with the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle. The eagle holds the scepter and orb, set with diamonds, and bears on its breast the shield of Saint George slaying the dragon, symbol of Moscow. Behind the eagle unfolds a finely painted industrial landscape, depicting oil refineries and derricks—an homage to the oil fields of Baku and the industrial power of the Russian Empire. The border is trimmed with fine blue and gold enamel. The back cover bears a black enamel cartouche with a gilded Cyrillic inscription reading: “25th Anniversary of the Nobel Brothers’ Petroleum Production Company”. The central medallion depicts the Temple of Fire (Ateshgah) at Baku, symbol of the eternal flames of natural gas, surrounded by further industrial scenes and oil infrastructure.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3-6*

Good

Slightly oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Brand Henry Moser & Cie, Switzerland

Year Circa 1904

Movement No. 4304

Case No. 11309

Caliber 47 mm., rhodium plated, 33 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band.

Diameter 56 mm.

Weight 151 gr.

Signature Dial, case and movement

Notes

The Nobel Brothers’ Petroleum Production Company

Baku, Russian Empire, founded 1879

Established in 1879 by Ludvig and Robert Nobel, brothers of Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Brothers’ Petroleum Production Company (Bratyev Nobel’) became one of the largest and most innovative oil enterprises of the Russian Empire. Based in Baku, it pioneered modern drilling, refining, and transport methods, including the world’s first oil tanker, the Zoroaster. The company’s success transformed Baku into a global center of oil production and symbolized the Empire’s industrial strength. Renowned for its technological innovation and progressive labor policies, the company remained a major force in the world oil market until its nationalization after the Russian Revolution of 1917.