Donne & Son 18K Gold Antique Grand Complication Pocket Watch – Minute Repeater, Perpetual Calendar, Moonphase – Rare English Horology

Donne & Son London – 18K Gold Antique Grand Complication Pocket Watch – Minute Repeater, Perpetual Calendar, Moonphase – English 19th Century – Ref. 1279

A rare English 18K gold grand complication combining repeater, perpetual calendar, and moonphase — a true museum-grade timepiece.

A remarkable survivor of English haute horlogerie, this Donne & Son 18K Gold Grand Complication Pocket Watch merges three of the most celebrated high complications of the 19th century: minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and moonphase. Crafted in solid gold and fitted with multiple regulator and function levers, this watch reflects the pinnacle of pre-industrial British watchmaking.

With its complex enamel dial layout and fully mechanical calendar indications, this rare English masterpiece stands among the most sophisticated examples produced outside Switzerland during the era.

❤️ DESCRIPTION

This exceptional antique pocket watch by Donne & Son (London) showcases the technical ingenuity of 19th-century British watchmaking. Housed in a full 18-karat yellow gold hunter case, the watch presents an elegant enamel dial with no fading of the key calendar displays.

The complexity of the display illustrates the full mechanical intelligence of the watchmaker: a minute repeater activated by a traditional slide, a perpetual calendar with day, date, month, and leap-year considerations, and a vivid moonphase aperture set at the lower register. Each subdial is integrated into a harmonious symmetrical layout typical of English grand complications.

This watch features multiple adjustment levers, each functioning per the seller’s confirmation — a remarkable attribute for a piece of its age. The repeater slide engages properly, indicating good preservation of the strike train and chiming mechanism.

As with many true antiques, timekeeping accuracy is not guaranteed; however, the movement presents exceptionally preserved components and a historically important example of English craftsmanship.

This grand complication pocket watch carries both intrinsic gold value and significant collectible prestige, making it suitable for museums, investors, and advanced horological collectors.

✨ HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES

• 18K yellow gold English antique grand complication pocket watch.

• Minute repeater with mechanical chime activation.

• Perpetual calendar with multiple subdials.

• Moonphase display with classical enamel design.

• Functional mechanical adjustment levers per listing.

• Manual-wind movement typical of 19th-century English horology.

• Rare collector-grade complication set combining three high functions.

• Museum-worthy English historical timepiece.

📎 ITEM DETAILS

Category: Antique Grand Complication Pocket Watch
Brand: Donne & Son (London)
Reference: 1279
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Dial: Antique enamel
Complications:

• Minute Repeater

• Perpetual Calendar

• Moonphase
  Movement: Manual Wind
  Origin: England
  Included: Watch only
  Notes:

• Antique item with normal age-related wear.

• Repeater and adjustment levers activate.

• Accuracy not guaranteed due to age.

💗 CONDITION REPORT

Condition Grade: Antique (visible wear)

Case:

• 18K gold hunter case with age-consistent marks.

• Hinges intact; front cover opens correctly.

Dial:

• Enamel dial with visible patina, typical of antique English pieces.

• Calendar subdials readable and aesthetically preserved.

Movement / Complications:

• Repeater and calendar adjustment levers activate per seller note.

• Movement functioning not guaranteed; service recommended for collector preservation.

Moonphase:

• Disc intact; age-consistent color.

A historically important grand complication sold as-is due to antique nature.

🌍 WHY COLLECTORS WANT THIS PIECE

• Very rare English-made grand complication combining repeater + perpetual calendar + moonphase.

• 18K gold case enhances intrinsic and collectible value.

• High desirability for museums and sophisticated collectors.

• Mid-late 19th century English watchmaking is increasingly scarce.

• Calendar + moonphase watches are highly appreciated for mechanical artistry.

• Investment-grade antique horology.

🏛  ENGLISH GRAND COMPLICATION HERITAGE

In the 1800s, English watchmakers like Donne & Son crafted some of the world’s finest mechanical complications, rivaling Swiss ateliers with precision engineering and complex chiming mechanisms. Their pieces often combined functional brilliance with elegant enamel dials and sturdy gold cases designed for wealthy patrons.

This grand complication stands as a testament to England’s horological golden age — merging striking, calendar, astronomical, and mechanical craftsmanship into a single precious object.

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