RARE c. 1904 Napoleon I Centenary Silver Pocket Watch – Unusual Digital Seconds

Offered for your consideration is a highly collectible and historically significant antique pocket watch, produced circa 1904 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation as Emperor of the French in 1804. The dial features a masterful, vibrant reproduction of Jacques-Louis David’s legendary masterpiece, Napoleon Crossing the Alps, capturing the Emperor on his rearing Arabian stallion.

Beyond its historical and artistic appeal, this timepiece boasts a highly unusual and sought-after horological complication: a jump-style digital seconds aperture. This rare feature makes it an exceptional addition to any serious collection of 19th and early 20th-century novelty and commemorative timepieces.

Detailed Condition & Specifications Report

The Dial & Hands  the enamel dial is a stunning work of art, featuring crisp Roman numeral hours and the iconic Napoleonic portrait in rich polychrome.

• Digital Seconds Complication: At the 6 o’clock position (above the VI), a specialized circular aperture reveals a rotating disc underneath the dial, displaying the passing seconds in numerical format (e.g., “50”, “60”, interspersed with tracking dots) 

• The dial is complemented by an elegant set of ornate, gold-tone Louis XV-style filigree hands.

The Case & Engravings

• Exterior Back & Bezel: The 47mm silver case exhibits phenomenal craftsmanship. The case band and bezels are adorned with deep, continuous floral and foliate chasing . The case back features a beautifully executed, high-relief floral wreath surrounding a blank central heraldic shield (cartouche), ready for a personalized monogram .

• The Cuvette (Dust Cover): The inner dust cover proudly displays the watch’s exhibition pedigree, bearing finely struck commemorative medals from the 1899 Thun Exhibition (“KANT. AUSSTELLG. THUN 1899”). It is further engraved with “PATENT REMONTOIR”, “6 RUBIS”, and “METAL”.

The Movement Powering this commemorative piece is a beautifully preserved, high-quality frosted gilt mechanical movement . It features a traditional cylinder escapement and a 6-jewel (6 Rubis) layout. The balance bridge displays a standard French “Avance / Retard” regulation scale.

• Operating Condition: The keyless-wind (remontoir) movement is in perfect working order, winding smoothly and running vigorously while driving the complex digital seconds disc seamlessly.

Item Specifics Summary

• Era: Circa 1904 (Napoleon I Centenary)

• Theme: Historical Commemorative / Military Leader

• Complication: Rare Digital / Aperture Seconds Indicator

• Case Material: Silver (with base metal cuvette)

• Case Diameter: 47mm

• Movement: Stem-Wind (Remontoir), 6 Jewels, Gilt Frosted

• Condition: Excellent Antique Condition / Fully Functional

Terms of Sale This antique timepiece is a functioning piece of history and is sold exactly as photographed. Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they form a definitive part of the description.