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Hunter Pocket Watch by Montandon
Circa 1881
This Silver Hunter's Case Pocket Watch is key wind and key set from the back and
has one of the most unusual movements that I have ever seen. The watch was made by
L. Montandon in Locle, Switzerland (on the border of France and Switzerland).
The watch has an almost circular movement with a lever escapement and 13 Ruby jewels.
Overall, I find it to be a very interesting watch with very ornate hands.
L. Montandon's company won First Place at the Melbourne Timing Contest in 1881.
The quality of the watch comes when you first open the case, which still opens on it's own to a perfect
90 degree angle. Also, the first thing that catches your eye is the delicacy of the hands, they were
very finely cut. Also, the signature is delicate and they are both set off by the simplicity of the
dial.
My favorite part though is the movement. I believe that he was experimenting with different styles,
so this may very well be a prototype. The watch is wound through the back & the time is also set
through the back. A feature I have always liked, as setting the hands in the front can be difficult at
times. It also shows that its a Patent Lever escapement and that it is fully jeweled (with Rubies, not
Saphires).
He also signed the movement, put down where he built it (Locle - a town in Switzerland where many high
end watches were built). The serial number also bears out my theory that's its a prototype, as the
serial number is #HGH20, which means that there were 20 models made of
this type in his efforts to perfect it or to go towards his desired ends.
Then the most fascinating part of all, the circular movement. I have never seen a movement even
slightly resembling this type of movement. It is truly unique. I have always wanted to research it,
but still I have never found the time.....
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