Jan Wanke Ecole d'Horlogerie de Genève Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1943
This Swiss pocket watch is identified as a graduate's work by Jan Wanke at the École d'Horlogerie de Genève. Dating to approximately 1943, the watch is housed in an 18-carat gold case with a diameter of 51 mm and a total weight of 101 grams.
The timepiece features a distinctive two-tone silvered sector dial with applied radial Roman numerals and gold hands. Internally, the watch is powered by a bridge-style movement equipped with a lever escapement and a Guillaume gold screw compensation balance. It bears the Poinçon de Genève hallmark, signifying adherence to regional quality standards of that era. The watch is a representative example of the Montre École tradition, where students at the Geneva School of Watchmaking independently designed, manufactured, and regulated a complete watch during their period of study.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1943
- Type
- Sector dial pocket watch
- Maker
- Jan Wanke
- Weight
- 101 g
- Escapement
- Lever
- Case Number
- 1135
- Case Material
- 18-carat gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 1135
- Dial Description
- Two-tone silvered
- Maker / attribution
- Jan Wanke
Design
- Visible features
- • Two-tone silvered sector dial with sunken sub-seconds register • Visible bridge movement with Geneva-style finish • Applied radial Roman numerals on the dial periphery • Crown-wound mechanism with a bow and pendant setup
- Case and Dial Design
- The pocket watch is presented in a smooth, 18-carat gold case measuring 51 mm in diameter. It features a push-back case design and includes a glazed back, which allows for visual access to the mechanical movement. The crown is positioned at the twelve o'clock position in the traditional pendant orientation. The dial is configured as a two-tone silvered surface, characterized by a sector layout. It displays applied radial Roman numerals positioned on the outer perimeter of the dial, while the inner section houses the manufacturer's identification. Gold hands indicate the time, and a separate sub-seconds register is positioned at the bottom of the dial face.
- Movement and Mechanical Details
- The watch operates on a bridge movement architecture. Key technical components include a lever escapement designed for precision timekeeping. A notable feature of this calibre is the inclusion of a large Guillaume gold screw compensation balance, which was historically favored for its thermal stability properties in high-grade timepieces. The movement carries the identifier 1135, matching the serial designation on the case. It is signed by Jan Wanke and marked with the institution of origin, the École d'Horlogerie de Genève. The auction description indicates that the movement is in good condition and capable of running, although professional cleaning is advised for continued optimal performance.
- Provenance and Institutional Significance
- This object is identified as a graduate's work from the École d'Horlogerie de Genève. This institution, established in 1824, is recognized for its role in Swiss precision mechanics and horological education. This serves as an institutional authentication of the technical rigor applied during the creation of this piece, which has been dated by the source to circa 1943.
Identification
- Reference
- Poinçon de Genève, Cal. 43.20-5.50
- Serial number
- 1135
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Condition report notes the movement is capable of running but cleaning is recommended
- Research required: The exact nature of the student-teacher collaboration remains undocumented beyond the 'graduate's work' description