Antique 18k Gold Louis Audemars Skeleton Pocket Watch – US President T.Roosevelt

Welcome to a once-in-a-lifetime horological discovery. This listing represents an extraordinary intersection of elite 19th-century Swiss watchmaking and monumental American history. Louis Audemars (founded in 1811 in Le Brassus, Switzerland) was universally recognized as a titan of haute horlogerie, producing some of the most complicated and exquisitely decorated timepieces ever conceived for global royalty, heads of state, and elite patrons.

This specific, one-of-a-kind presentation pocket watch carries the ultimate provenance: it is a presentation award piece featuring the enamel portrait of the 26th United States President, Theodore Roosevelt. Given Roosevelt’s legendary legacy as a passionate outdoorsman, conservationist, and leader of the Rough Riders cavalry, the specific combination of his portrait and the equestrian engraving on the reverse is profoundly fitting. Commissioned pieces of this magnitude were historically reserved for highly significant diplomatic gifts or executive presentations. It is a museum-quality artifact that transcends traditional watch collecting.

Item Specifications

• Maker: Louis Audemars

• Era: Antique / Turn of the Century

• Material: 18k Heavy Solid Gold

• Total Weight: 73 grams

• Dimensions: 50mm case diameter

• Case Style: Full Hunter Presentation Case

• Dial: Enamel Cartouche pierced Skeleton Dial

• Condition: Perfect working condition, impeccably preserved

• Included: Antique fitted presentation box

Comprehensive Condition & Description

The Presentation Case: The timepiece is housed in a substantial, heavy 18k solid gold full hunter case, weighing an impressive 73 grams and measuring a prominent 50mm in diameter. The craftsmanship is indicative of Louis Audemars’ highest tier of production, offering a wonderful tactile weight and thick gold covers.

• The Front Cover: The centerpiece of the front cover is a magnificent,  polychrome enamel portrait of President Theodore Roosevelt. The portrait captured his distinct likeness with remarkable precision, complete with his signature spectacles, mustache, and formal presidential bearing. The enamel work remains vibrant and perfectly intact.

• The Reverse Cover: The back of the case features crisp, highly complex engine-turned guilloché engraving. This geometric pattern centers on a polished oval cartouche containing a finely detailed, hand-engraved horse’s head—a beautiful homage to Roosevelt’s equestrian background.

• Hallmarks: The inner gold covers are clearly and proudly stamped with the prestigious “LOUIS AUDEMARS” maker’s mark within a rectangular cartouche. The interior is fully hallmarked for 18k gold and securely bears the matching serial number 15282.

The Skeletonized Dial & Movement Opening the heavy gold front cover reveals a breathtaking kinetic sculpture. The watch features a fully skeletonized dial and movement, showcasing the absolute pinnacle of 19th-century Swiss hand-craftsmanship.

• The Dial Ring: Time is displayed along an outer chapter ring composed of individual white enamel oval cartouches. Each cartouche features elegant, finely painted Roman numerals, which are indicated by classic, precision-cut blued steel hands.

• The Mechanical Architecture: The movement plates have been painstakingly hand-pierced and profusely engraved with elaborate, sweeping floral and scroll motifs across the frosted gold-tone surfaces. This allows a mesmerizing, unhindered view directly through the intricate gear train.

• Jeweling & Finish: The complex mechanical architecture is visually anchored by vibrant, thermally blued steel screws and exceptionally large, exposed ruby-toned jeweled bearings. The spectacular open-work movement is designed to be fully admired from both the front dial side and the rear exhibition view when the back cover is opened.

Included Accessories ;This extraordinary piece is accompanied by an antique, fitted presentation box. The case features a textured, dark exterior and a soft inner lining designed to protect and elegantly display the watch.