Swiss Continental .800 Fine Silver Cylinder Escapement Pocket Watch Case
Jewelry (Pocket Watch / Horological Object) · Unknown Swiss case maker (indicated by 'WH' mark inside case back); movement features a standard Swiss 'Cylinder 6 Rubis' escapement.
Pattern: Utility Open-Face Key-Wind/Key-Set Case, typical of late 19th-century Swiss mass production.
Type
Jewelry (Pocket Watch / Horological Object)
Maker
Unknown Swiss case maker (indicated by 'WH' mark inside case back); movement features a standard Swiss 'Cylinder 6 Rubis' escapement.
Material
.800 Silver (80% purity), commonly referred to as 'Continental Silver.' The inner dust cover (cuvette) appears to be brass or base metal (gilt), evidenced by the yellowish hue compared to the silver outer case.
Dimensions
Standard men's size, likely 45mm to 50mm in diameter. Weight is estimated at 60-80 grams including the movement.
Description
A classic example of late 19th-century Swiss horology, this .800 silver pocket watch case features the signature 'Cylindre 6 Rubis' movement. This designation indicates a cylinder escapement utilizing six functional ruby bearings to reduce friction. The case is constructed of continental silver, favored for its durability in daily use, and includes the integrated dust cover designed to protect the movement while allowing for key adjustment.
Key Features
Double-aperture inner cuvette, 'WH' maker symbols, 6-ruby cylinder escapement, and .800 silver purity marks.
Material & Composition
.800 Silver (80% purity), commonly referred to as 'Continental Silver.' The inner dust cover (cuvette) appears to be brass or base metal (gilt), evidenced by the yellowish hue compared to the silver outer case.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish interior with engine-turned or planished exterior (implied by period style). The dust cover features cursive engraving: 'Cylindre 6 Rubis.' Exterior shows heavy tarnish and oxidation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The case back shows a 'WH' in an oval (maker's mark), a serial number '74136', and likely a Swiss Grouse or German Crescent and Crown mark (faintly visible at 12 o'clock position in the case back).
Construction Details
Die-struck silver case with a friction-fit hinge. Precision-drilled winding/setting apertures in the cuvette. Hand-assembled components with machine-engraved lettering.
Functional Features
Includes a dual-aperture dust cover for key-winding the mainspring and setting the hands. Large circular pendant and bow for attachment to a watch chain (fob).
Handle & Grip Details
Circular silver bow attached to the pendant; the bow shows significant brassing or wear to the silver layering, suggesting it may be silver-clad base metal for strength.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial grade for the period. The engraving is clean and legible, and the case fitment shows high-tolerance Swiss machining typical of the late 1800s.
Authentication Indicators
The '6 Rubis' engraving style is consistent with 1890s Swiss production. The .800 silver marks are era-appropriate for Continental Europe.
Origin & Manufacturing
Switzerland (likely La Chaux-de-Fonds or Le Locle regions). The 'Cylindre' nomenclature is a hallmark of the Swiss horological trade for middle-market export.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Industrial Era (c. 1880-1900), characterized by the transition from handmade luxury to standardized European mechanical exports.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1895. The cylinder escapement and key-wind configuration were being phased out by lever escapements and stem-winding by 1900.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of timekeeping; while 18th-century watches were for the elite, these Swiss silver-cased watches were the 'working man's' timepieces of the industrial revolution.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with heavy tarnish (sulfide layer). The bow shows significant wear/brassing. The cuvette has some surface scratching around the wind holes from use. Case hinge appears intact.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD (Value is primarily in the silver content and horological interest; cylinder watches are less sought after than lever-set watches by collectors).
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver dips, as liquid can seep into the movement. Hand-polish with a Cape Cod cloth on the exterior only. Store in the provided cotton bag with an anti-tarnish strip.
Similar Pieces
Longines or Tissot early silver pocket watches; however, those usually carry brand names on the cuvette rather than just the escapement type.
Interesting Facts
The 'Cylinder' escapement was invented by Thomas Tompion in 1695 but perfected by the Swiss for mass production. It was eventually replaced by the more accurate 'Swiss Lever' escapement.