Late Victorian Continental 800 Silver Open-Face Pocket Watch with Remontoir Cylinder Movement
Horological Object / Pocket Watch · The movement is a generic high-quality Swiss or German 'Cylindre' type. No specific manufacturer logo is visible, but the term 'Remontoir' indicates a keyless winding system common to the late 19th-century Swiss-German export market.
Pattern: Classical Round Form with Engine-Turned Guilloché and Script Engraving
Type
Horological Object / Pocket Watch
Maker
The movement is a generic high-quality Swiss or German 'Cylindre' type. No specific manufacturer logo is visible, but the term 'Remontoir' indicates a keyless winding system common to the late 19th-century Swiss-German export market.
Material
800 Silver (Continental standard), also known as 'Coin Silver' in some regions. Composition is 80% silver and 20% alloy, likely copper. Features a dust cover (cuvette) and glass crystal.
Dimensions
Approximately 48mm to 52mm in diameter (standard '18 size'). Estimated weight including movement: 90-110 grams.
Description
This is a classic example of a Continental silver pocket watch featuring a 'Remontoir Cylindre 10 Rubis' movement. The inner dust cover is beautifully engraved with technical specifications in flowing French script. The silver case reflects the utilitarian elegance of the late 19th century, designed for the emerging middle class who required reliable, keyless timekeeping.
Key Features
10 Rubis jeweled movement, 800 silver hallmarks, 'Remontoir' winding system, and 'Cylindre' escapement. The double-hinged case is a significant protective feature.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (Continental standard), also known as 'Coin Silver' in some regions. Composition is 80% silver and 20% alloy, likely copper. Features a dust cover (cuvette) and glass crystal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish interior with engine-turned (guilloché) engraving on the external cases. The cuvette features elegant cursive script engraving. The exterior likely features a vacant heraldic cartouche or floral chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible '800' fineness mark on the inner case lid. Additional small stamps appear to be a grouse or crescent and crown (German Reichmark) or a Swiss grouse mark, indicating legal purity for the 1880-1900 period.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-lathed cases. Multiple hinged components (bezel, back cover, and inner cuvette/dust cover). Pin-set or pendant-set mechanism.
Functional Features
Remontoir (crown-winding) system, Cylinder escapement, 10 Rubis (jeweled movement). Hinged double-back case designed to protect the movement from dust and moisture.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver bow (pendant ring) attached to the winding crown. The crown is a 'knurled' style for easy grip during winding. Original silver composition for the bow.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine-assisted engraving. The hinging and fitment of the dust cover show precise tolerances typical of late 19th-century European silver workshops.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks '800' match the period and style. Wear patterns on the hinges are consistent with century-old use. Solder points on the bow show appropriate age-related darkening.
Origin & Manufacturing
Swiss manufacturing for the movement, possibly cased in Germany. This '800' silver standard is characteristic of Central European production centers like La Chaux-de-Fonds or Pforzheim.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Fin de Siècle (c. 1885-1900). Stylistic indicators include the transition from key-wind to crown-wind (Remontoir) and the specific typography of the engraving.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890. Rationale based on the '10 Rubis' cylinder movement popularity and the 800 silver hallmarks which became standardized in the late 19th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of precision timekeeping during the Industrial Revolution, moving away from luxury gold pieces to reliable silver 'workhorse' watches for professionals.
Condition Notes
Grade: Good. Visible oxidation (tarnish) on the interior of the lid. Minor surface scratches. The engraving remains crisp and legible. Crystal and dial are not fully visible but appear intact.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 USD. Value is driven primarily by the silver content and the condition of the movement rather than brand prestige.
Care & Maintenance
Clean silver case with a specialized silver cloth only; avoid liquid dips which can seep into the movement. Mechanical movements should be serviced by a professional horologist every 5-10 years.
Similar Pieces
Omega or Longines silver pocket watches of the same era (higher value due to brand); generic English Sterling 'Fusee' watches (thicker, key-wound).
Interesting Facts
The term 'Remontoir' was a major selling point in the late 1800s, as it meant the user no longer had to carry a separate key to wind their watch or set the time.