Antique Oversize Memento Mori “Régulateur” Pocket Watch – Sator Square & Occult

Item Overview

• Era: Late Victorian / Early Edwardian (c. 1900)

• Style: Memento Mori / Occultist / Gothic

• Type: Oversize “Régulateur” (65mm Case)

• Movement: Mechanical Manual Wind (Recently Tested & Working)

• Case Material: 18k Gold Plated over Steel (Acier Garanti)

• Special Features: High-relief skull and snake carvings, Sator Square magical formula, Louis XV style hands.

Historical & Symbolic Context

This is not merely a timepiece; it is a “Memento Mori” (Latin: Remember you must die), a genre of art intended to remind the viewer of the fleeting nature of life and the certainty of death.

The Symbols:

• The Three Skulls: Representing the stages of life or the inevitability of mortality.

• The Serpent: Often a symbol of eternity, rebirth, or the occult “Ouroboros,” coiling around the skull of time.

• The SATOR Square: A famous 2,000-year-old magical palindrome (SATOR AREPO TENET OPERA ROTAS). Historically, this square was used as a powerful protective charm and talisman to ward off bad luck, fire, and evil spirits. It is a centerpiece for any collector of esoteric or occult history.

Detailed Specifications

The Dial & Hands

• Dial: Crisp white enamel with bold Roman numerals for the hours and an outer track for minutes.

• Sub-dial: A dedicated seconds sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position.

• Text: Marked “RÉGULATEUR,” denoting its high-accuracy design.

• Hands: Exquisite, ornate rose-gold-toned Louis XV filigree hands.

The Case

• Size: Massive 65mm diameter (excluding crown/bow), giving it a commanding presence.

• Artistry: The back of the case features heavy, high-relief  castings of skulls and a snake.

• Hallmarks: Interior case marked “Acier Garanti” (Guaranteed Steel) with a circular “BEAUCOURT” stamp and the initials “CB,” indicating the French origin of the case manufacture (Japy Frères / Beaucourt region).

• Finish: High-quality 18k gold plating.

The Movement

• Type: Large, bridge-plate mechanical movement.

• Condition: In perfect working order. It winds smoothly and keeps good time.

• Regulation: Features a “Slow/Fast” (A/R – Avance/Retard) regulator lever for fine-tuning.

Condition Report

• Overall: Excellent antique condition.

• Case: Light age-appropriate wear to the gold plating on high-friction areas, adding to its authentic vintage character.

• Crystal: Clear with no major scratches or chips.

• Movement: Clean and functional. (Note: As with all antique mechanical watches, professional servicing is recommended for long-term daily use).

Why This Piece?

Oversize “Regulator” pocket watches are highly sought after by collectors for their scale and legibility. However, finding one customized with such intense Occult and Memento Mori imagery is exceptionally rare. This is a centerpiece item for a horological collection or a unique find for a practitioner of the esoteric arts. The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2500