Mido silver niello pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1930s
Maker / issuer
MidoThis Swiss open-face pocket watch is signed Mido and dated by the dealer to the 1930s. The source describes a 49 mm diameter 800 silver case featuring niello decoration, stamped on the interior back with the Niel HF mark of Huguenin Frères of Le Locle.
The movement is a manual stem-winding caliber marked with 15 jewels and three adjustments, signed MIDO and SWISS MADE. The dealer notes that an original micro regulator was removed. Visible features include a hinged back cover and an angular bow displaying dark decorative patterning above the winding crown.
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
- Type
- Open-face watch
- Jewel count
- 15 jewels
- Case diameter
- 49mm
- Case material
- 800 silver with niello
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case maker stamp
- Niel HF (Huguenin Frères)
- Maker / attribution
- Mido
- Movement modification
- Micro regulator removed
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged case back open to display a nickel-finished movement signed MIDO and marked SWISS MADE. • Bridges are engraved with '15 JEWELS' and '3 ADJ.'. • Regulator scale is marked 'A R' and 'F S' adjacent to the balance assembly. • Shaped open bow attached above the winding crown shows dark niello decorative patterning.
- Movement & Technical Configuration
- The movement is a Swiss manual stem-winding caliber displayed beneath a hinged case back. The visible nickel-finished bridges are engraved with the brand signature 'MIDO' along with 'SWISS MADE', '15 JEWELS', and '3 ADJ.'. A regulator scale marked with both 'A R' and 'F S' is situated adjacent to the balance assembly. According to the dealer's description, the movement was originally equipped with a micro regulator that has been removed over time. The seller reports that the 15-jewel, three-adjustment mechanism is in working order, though timekeeping performance claims remain dealer assertions rather than verified lab tests.
- Case Construction & Maker Attribution
- The open-face case measures 49 mm in diameter, excluding the winding crown and bow. The dealer records the metal as 800 silver embellished with niello inlay work. Visual inspection of the shaped open bow above the winding crown confirms dark decorative patterning characteristic of niello. The inner case back is reported by the seller to be stamped 'Niel HF' for Huguenin Frères of Le Locle, Switzerland, as well as bearing the 'Mido' name. The dealer describes the case as retaining good condition with only minor handling marks.
- Reported Dial Features & Documentation Limits
- The dial and the exterior pattern of the case back are not depicted in the provided photograph. According to the seller's cataloging, the dial retains an original finish with 'Turkish inspired numerals', blued steel hands, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register. The dealer dates the watch to the 1930s, citing the 1934 registration of the Mido trademark. Specific movement caliber designations and case or movement serial numbers are not recorded in the available source materials.
Identification
- 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: Dial and exterior case back decoration are not visible in the supplied photograph.
- Research required: The source notes that the original micro regulator has been removed from the movement.