Paul Buhre Le Phare. Gold Pocket Watch With Minute Repeater, Chronograph

A unique example of a gold pocket watch, created in collaboration between the Swiss manufacture Le Phare and the legendary Imperial Court Supplier Pavel Bure. This extremely rare timepiece features a minute repeater, moon phase indicator, chronograph, Cyrillic calendar apertures, and a rare bridge movement with two hammers and two gongs. Case No. 72647, 59 mm in diameter, crafted in 14K rose gold, is adorned with exquisite guilloche engraving and a partially enameled Russian imperial double-headed eagle crest. The inner lids bear two historically significant inscriptions: Dedication in Cyrillic: To dear Mitya in gratitude and 30 years of loyal friendship from V. Voronov. 1882-1912. Signature: Pavel Bure, Supplier to the Court of His Imperial Majesty, confirming the item's high status.The enamel dial features Roman numerals, Cyrillic calendar apertures for days and months, a date indicator, moon phase aperture, and a 30-minute chronograph counter. Signed: Tchetine et Fils. The movement is a complex bridge caliber with lever escapement, compensated balance wheel, and Swiss patent engraving No. 334. The finishing includes gilding, blued screws, and finely executed surfaces. Marks: Le Phare with exhibition medals Pavel Bure Swiss and Russian assay marks (585 14K and 56 zolotnik) Dimensions: 59 mmWeight: 149 g Provenance: Russia Switzerland, circa 1903 Mechanism: Minute repeater, moon phase calendar, chronograph, manual wind

This pocket watch is one of the rarest and most technically advanced examples made for the Russian aristocracy on the eve of the First World War. Its importance lies not only in its mechanical sophistication but also in the cultural context it represents reflecting the lifestyle, gift-giving customs, and refined tastes of the late Imperial era. The house of Pavel Bure, founded in the early 19th century and awarded the title of Supplier to the Imperial Court in 1899, was a hallmark of excellence in Russian watchmaking. Its collaboration with Swiss manufactories, particularly Le Phare (est. 1888), enabled the creation of bespoke high-functioning timepieces tailored to Russian preferences. This example, featuring a minute repeater, moon phase indicator, Cyrillic triple calendar, and chronograph, with a personalized engraved dedication, is a quintessential object of prestige. The Cyrillic inscription implies a personal gift, typical of aristocratic traditions, marking an important relationship or event. The watch, with its rare combination of mechanical functions, personalized engraving, and prestigious origin, stands as a museum-quality artifact, representing the intersection of Swiss technical innovation and Russian imperial patronage.