DALLAS — Czapek & Cie has long been a watchmaker to royalty. Founded in the mid-19th century by Czech-Polish watch specialist Francois Czapek, the company continues its fine timekeeping heritage with luxury examples worn by the affluent.

Around 1860, Czapek & Cie was commissioned to produce this pocket watch for Prince Alexey Fyodorovich Orlov (1787-1862) of Imperial Russia. Born into the aristocracy, Orlov began as a military man, serving Russia in the Napoleonic Wars from 1805 to the capture of Paris in 1814. He was elevated to the title of count for his services with the Horse Life Guards in the 1825 rebellion, and became a lieutenant-general during the Turkish War of 1828-1829.

In 1833, he transitioned to diplomacy with his appointment as ambassador for Czar Nicholas I in Constantinople (Istanbul). His career took a dark turn in 1844 to 1856 when he headed the Third Section secret police. He became a prince in 1856.

Though his death would only come two years later, his 1860 gold, enamel, and polychrome pocket watch was likely a prized possession. Fitted with the House of Orlov coat of arms, the quarter-repeating timepiece remains in excellent condition. Assigned an estimate of $6,500-$1 million, it is a featured lot in Heritage Auctions‘ Watches & Fine Timepieces sale on Monday, June 3. The complete catalog is available for review and bidding at LiveAuctioneers.