Open-Face Silver Pocket Watch with 24-Hour Military Porcelain Dial
Jewelry/Timepiece (Pocket Watch) · Unknown Manufacturer (Case possibly Swiss or French); requires internal movement inspection for specific branding.
Pattern: Standard European Open-Face Utility Pattern
Type
Jewelry/Timepiece (Pocket Watch)
Maker
Unknown Manufacturer (Case possibly Swiss or French); requires internal movement inspection for specific branding.
Material
Likely .800 or .935 Sterling Silver case; Porcelain (Enamel) dial, glass crystal, and base metal or steel movement internal components.
Dimensions
Diameter: approx. 45-50mm (Men's standard size); Weight: approx. 80-110 grams total mass.
Description
An antique silver open-face pocket watch featuring a white porcelain enamel dial with bold black Roman numerals and red 13-24 hour military markings. The piece showcases classic European horological styling with a subsidiary seconds track at the bottom.
Key Features
Dual-scale military dial (1-12 and 13-24); subsidiary seconds dial; engine-turned case rim; fluted winding crown.
Material & Composition
Likely .800 or .935 Sterling Silver case; Porcelain (Enamel) dial, glass crystal, and base metal or steel movement internal components.
Finish & Decoration
Engine-turned (guilloché) engraving on the case edge; Roman and Arabic numeral enamel painting; fluted 'onion' style winding crown.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks inside the back cover: Swiss grouse/bear or French crab/boar head silver marks; possible 'Fine Silver' or 0.800/0.935 stamps.
Construction Details
Machine-turned case with hand-finished hinge and bezel; hand-painted or transfer-printed porcelain enamel dial.
Functional Features
Stem-wind and stem-set mechanism; subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock; 12/24 hour dual time-readout.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver bow (loop) and fluted winding crown; bow is hinged for chain attachment; currently missing hands.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck case with precision engineering for the period; high-quality vitreous enamel dial resistant to fading.
Authentication Indicators
Case wear patterns are consistent with age; silver oxidation (tarnish) on the pendant and bow; authentic multi-fired porcelain dial construction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Switzerland (La Chaux-de-Fonds or Bienne) or France, which dominated the silver-cased watch export market.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian transition period (1890-1915); characterized by the 24-hour red numeral aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1910 based on the dial layout, crown style, and engine turning.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of time during the Industrial Revolution where silver watches became accessible to the middle class and professionals.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. Missing hour, minute, and second hands. Solder/tarnish visible on the bow. Internal movement condition unknown. Dial appears relatively clean without major cracks (hairlines).
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD in current non-functional/incomplete state; value is primarily in the silver scrap and dial/case parts.
Care & Maintenance
Do not attempt to polish with liquids as it may seep into the movement; use a dry silver cloth for the case; seek a professional horologist for missing hands.
Similar Pieces
Omega silver pocket watches, Longines early military models, or Zenith 24-hour dials; these typically feature more prominent branding on the face.
Interesting Facts
The red 13-24 markings became popular as rail travel and international coordination required standardized 24-hour timekeeping.