Hidden Initials on Movements

[aucaj]

This is a thread for hidden initials worked in the balance cock or bridges of movements. These can be easily overlooked. It is an interesting feature and I thought I'd share some examples. These were probably implemented as an effective method to counter fakes. Counterfeiters could easily engrave a different name on ebauches, but it was much more effort to produce a custom balance bridge.

JLR
Signed Julien Le Roy (by Pierre Le Roy). Pierre Le Roy took over his father Julien's shop after his death. To honor his father, he continued to have the watches signed Julien Le Roy and added hidden "JLR" initials to the balance bridges. Julien & Pierre Le Roy made many advancements in horology. Most notable is that Pierre is credited with inventing the first detent escapement in 1748.

CEO
Carl Erick Orbin seems to have consistently included his initials on his work. He is listed in Stockholm in 1774, and died around 1800.

REL
Revel of Paris.

JLL
This one is not the maker, but an owner's initials. I guess this could prove ownership in the event of theft & recovery, but probably just a novelty customization for the owner to put on display.

Please post more examples.

- Chris

 

[VinSer]

Hidden initials were also used by british makers selling to the ottoman market. In no particular order:

Ralph Gout


George Prior


George Charles


Edward Prior


Ciao

 

[aucaj]

Hidden initials were also used by british makers selling to the ottoman market.

Vinser, that's really interesting. The English initials are more subtle part of their design. I will have to look more closely at my English watches and those for the Turkish market.

Thank you,
Chris

 

[rstl99]

André-Charles CARON Paris ca. 1750

C A R O N (R is at bottom)